Table 2 Pandemic response plan: recommendations for embryology and andrology laboratories during the coronavirus pandemic
From: IVF laboratory COVID-19 pandemic response plan: a roadmap
Recommendations | Basis of evidence |
|---|---|
Operational changes reducing labor needs and conserving supplies | |
 Identify essential the right people to fulfill the essential roles | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Create rotation shifts | Recommendation based on committee opinion guidelines (ESHRE COVID-19 taskforce) [18] |
 Stock PPE and cryopreservation medium and culture media batches favoring products with longer expiration dates | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Reduce the number of operated incubators | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
Operational changes protecting embryologists and gametes/embryos | |
 Perform triage of staff and patients, and test according to the national recommendations and/or availability of laboratory testing | Recommendation based on committee opinion guidelines (ESHRE, ASRM COVID-19 taskforce) [18, 19] |
 Use proper PPE (surgical masks, gloves) or N95 masks when performing an aerosol-generating procedure | Recommendation based on experimental research [28] |
 Wear a surgical mask and practice social distancing at all time | Recommendation based on public health epidemiologic data [32] |
 Postpone visits for cryopreservation storage renewal payment and allow online billing using an electronic medical record system | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Perform cryopreservation consenting online | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Cleaning practices must be performed by laboratory staff (surfaces, keyboards, doorknobs, supplies boxes…) | Recommendation based on usual practice |
 Continuing positive-pressure air purification, reducing air recirculation, and favoring 100% fresh air | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Spray and wipe with approved disinfectant followed by UV irradiation for 30 min the workspace in the biosafety cabinet | Recommendation based on experimental research [33] |
 Wash thoroughly cumulus-oocyte complexes to potentially dilute the viral load | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Use protective eyewear and N95 masks when performing aerosol-generating procedures | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Semen ejaculate jars must be wiped prior to handling specimens | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Process sperm using a combination of sperm density gradient techniques followed by a swim-up step | Recommendation based on expert opinion |
 Collect the follicular fluid into well-sealed containers | Recommendation based on committee opinion guidelines (ESHRE COVID-19 taskforce) [18] |
 Use mechanical micropipettes and filtered tips. Following use, disassemble and disinfect micropipettes using approved laboratory agents and/or UV irradiation | Recommendation based on usual practice |
 Use UV-sterilized liquid nitrogen | Recommendation based on risk assessment research [34] |
 Use of closed system cryopreservation tools | Recommendation based on committee opinion guidelines (ESHRE COVID-19 taskforce) [18] |
 Safeguard the integrity of the zona pellucida | Recommendation based on experimental research [35] |