title: Implementation of cleanroom technology in reproductive laboratories: the question is not why but how.
abstract: Two articles recently published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online described how fertility centres in the USA and Brazil implemented air quality control to newly designed facilities. In both case scenarios, a highly efficient air filtration was achieved by installing a centred system supplying filtered air to the IVF laboratory and other critical areas, combining air particulate and volatile organic compound (VOC) filtration. Evaluating retrospective data of over 3000 cycles from both centres, live birth rates were increased by improvements in air quality and laboratory environment. This commentary discusses some of the key aspects of air contamination in the IVF settings, and highlights the fact that a risk management analysis taking into consideration all variables that play a role in air contamination is paramount for the reduction of the risk of poor IVF outcomes due to improper air quality conditions.
authors.affiliation: ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: s.esteves@androfert.com.br.
authors.forename: Sandro C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Esteves
authors.affiliation: ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiola C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Bento
mesh_terms: D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000517:prevention & control; D001938:Brazil; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D005260:Female; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: air quality; assisted reproductive techniques; cleanroom; laboratory environment; volatile organic compounds