Fertility Insights

Electronic Witnessing in Action: Real Stories from the Lab

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we are joined by Amy Perkins, Lab Manager at Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, as she shares 10+ years of hands-on experience with the RI Witness® system.

Tune in to this engaging conversation featuring Jason St. Pierre, Associate Director of Professional Education and Clinical Support at CooperSurgical, and Amy Perkins, as they discuss how electronic witnessing can help transform lab operations, reduce patient concerns, and improve staff well-being and satisfaction.

What You’ll Learn:

Patient Awareness: How increased patient education is driving demand for tracking solutions
Quality Management: Real-world integration of RFID technology into accreditation protocols
Staff Satisfaction: Why Amy believes no embryologist should work without electronic witnessing
Future Vision: What’s next for laboratory automation and efficiency

“I don’t think as an embryologist, I would be comfortable entering a practice that wouldn’t want to have a witness system…

I think that’s very important for us as employees that we have that protection.” — Amy Perkins

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How RI Witness can help prevent mismatches (Replay)

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:16:30 GMT

With a product focus, Michael J Tucker, PhD FiBiol HCLD, Scientific Director at Shady Grove Fertility, talks to our Americas Regional Manager for Equipment, Amanda Bostian, about helping prevent gamete and embryo mismatches during IVF. Together they explore the impact of mismatches on IVF laboratories, clinics and IVF patients and how RI Witness can help mitigate the risk.

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A Discussion: ASRM GC Professional Group Opinion on PGT-M (Pt2)

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:02:25 GMT

In the second episode of this two-part podcast, Jenna Miller, MS, CGC, Senior Clinical Science Specialist, speaks with Elizabeth Cameron, MS, CGC Director of International and Operational Genetic Counseling and Dina Nusblat, MS, CGC, Lab genetic counsellor, about ASRM’s Genetic Counseling Professional Groups most recent committee opinion: Indications and management for preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic conditions.

In this episode, Elizabeth talks us through the categorization of the clinical indications for PGT-M. This discussion highlights how complex PGT-M testing can be and how it can vary depending on the testing lab or clinician. This discussion highlights the importance of the new PGT-M guidelines.

To learn more about our international team of genetic counsellors, you can head to: https://fertility.coopersurgical.com/genomics/genetic-counseling/

To download and read the committee opinion, you can head to: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028223002108?dgcid=author

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A Discussion: ASRM GC Professional Group Opinion on PGT-M (Pt1)

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:01:20 GMT

In the first episode of this two-part podcast, Jenna Miller, MS, CGC, Senior Clinical Science Specialist, speaks with Elizabeth Cameron, MS, CGC Director of International and Operational Genetic Counseling and Dina Nusblat, MS, CGC, Lab genetic counsellor, about ASRM’s Genetic Counseling Professional Groups most recent committee opinion: Indications and management for preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic conditions.

Elizabeth explores the reasons behind the increased update of PGT-M testing. Dina explains the ASRM professional counselling group and its goal to guide other genetic counsellors and professionals in the ART field.

To learn more about our international team of genetic counsellors, you can head to: https://fertility.coopersurgical.com/genomics/genetic-counseling/

To download and read the committee opinion, you can head to: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028223002108?dgcid=author

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Bruce's Story

Wed, 31 May 2023 09:59:41 GMT

Bruce and Jim's journey to parenthood was a rollercoaster ride of challenge and ultimate triumph. From battling societal norms to navigating the complex world of IVF and surrogacy.

Their story is a testament to their unwavering passion, patience, and perseverance, which paid off in the form of their dream reward: two healthy babies to call their own.

CooperSurgical® employee, Bruce addresses the insufficient resources that underrepresented communities could face in accessing direct support and encouragement during the IVF process. He hopes that sharing this story will empower same-sex families who are considering or undergoing IVF, reminding them: 'you can do this!'

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Live from PGDIS with our genomics experts

Wed, 10 May 2023 10:28:53 GMT

Join us live at PGDIS 2023 with our genomics experts Colleen Lynch, Tony Gordon and Lauren Isley as they discuss the research presented and their main conference highlights.

Lauren discusses the use of PGT-M for monogenic disease plus HLA compatibility, and Colleen about her work on the analysis of incidental aneuploidy in PGT-SR trophectoderm biopsy samples, exploring if there is a link or not to inter-chromosomal effect.

Tony speaks about the exciting sessions he attended, including updates on the data presented from the mosaicism registry.

Enjoy this episode recorded live from the conference venue!

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How can we safeguard patients and clinicians during IVF?

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:31:16 GMT

IVF mix-ups are rare, but they do happen and can lead to devastating consequences for families and clinics. We spoke with Scientific Director, Denny Sakkas and Lab Director, Alyssa Jones to address patient anxiety around mix-ups. We discussed how the Parental QC feature (part of our PGT-Complete℠ test) combined with an electronic witnessing system like RI Witness™ can provide clinics with a solution to help minimize IVF mix-ups.

Please note that both speakers were paid to take part in this episode and the views expressed by our guests are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

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Improving ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates: The latest genomics outcome data

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 14:32:56 GMT

For the first episode of 2023, we explore the latest publications in genomics, deep diving into the patient groups involved and the clinical impact of the studies.

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In conversation with Mark Hughes, MD, PhD

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:10:25 GMT

Mollie Erskine, Genomics Communication Manager is in conversation with pioneer in reproductive medicine, Mark Hughes, MD, PhD live from ASRM where he was awarded a lifetime achievement award. Mark talks to us about his career and how he combined his passions and education to move the field of preimplantation genetic testing forward and ultimately help families to have healthy children.

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Electronic Witnessing: Lessons over ten years

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 09:48:06 GMT

Mollie Erskine, Genomics Communication Manager, talks to Johan Sterckx, Quality manager ART lab and Neelke De Munck, PhD, Head of the ART lab at Brussels IVF, about their research presented at ESHRE 2022: Ten years electronic witnessing in the IVF laboratory.

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Live from ESHRE: Advancing Fertility Care - The Journey so Far (Part 2)

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 07:49:32 GMT

Listen to our podcast recorded live at ESHRE 2022! As our sponsored symposium focused on advancing the future of fertility care and the future of ART, in part two, Mollie Erskine, Genomics Communication Manager, asks how guests David Morroll, PhD and Steven Fleming, PhD, have seen the field change during their careers and how the research presented at ESHRE inspires them for the future of the industry.

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Live from ESHRE: Advancing Fertility Care - The Journey so Far (Part 1)

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 07:37:02 GMT

Listen to our podcast recorded live at ESHRE 2022! As our sponsored symposium focused on advancing the future of fertility care and the future of ART, in part one, Mollie Erskine, Genomics Communication Manager asks how our guests, Jacques Cohen, PhD and Tony Gordon, PhD, have seen the field change during their careers and the importance of data collection for the future of IVF.

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Live from PGDIS: Mosaicism, AI and more

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 11:32:35 GMT

We are excited to share a podcast recorded live at the 19th international conference on preimplantation genetics!

Our genomics experts Tony Gordon, PhD, Kristine McWilliams, MD, PhD, Colleen Lynch, PhD and Mike Large PhD chat to Genomics Communication Manager Mollie Erskine about the latest research in PGT presented at the conference, from mosaicism to AI and non-invasive PGT. We hope you enjoy the conversations and exploring the latest research with our experts.

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Vitrification: KPIs in the lab

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 07:48:48 GMT

In the final episode on vitrification, Adjunct Professor Laura Rienzi, PhD and Professor William Ledger chat about the importance of monitoring the competency of staff carrying out vitrification and warming through KPIs.

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Managing patients expectations during vitrification

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 07:45:15 GMT

For the third episode on the topic of vitrification Adjunct Professor Laura Rienzi, PhD and Professor William Ledger discuss how and when to communicate with patients, as well as the importance of managing their expectations.

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Oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:26:00 GMT

For the third episode on the topic of vitrification, Adjunct Professor Laura Rienzi, PhD and Professor William Ledger discuss how and when to communicate with patients and the importance of managing their expectations.

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Why we vitrify

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:13:42 GMT

For this initial podcast on the topic of vitrification we hear from Adjunct Professor Laura Rienzi, PhD and Professor William Ledger about the advantages and disadvantages of a freeze-all strategy in IVF treatments.

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Oocyte pick up: Advice on clinical team communication

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:36:44 GMT

Our host Steve Levett, PhD is joined by experts Dr Daniela Nogueira, PhD and Arianna D’Angelo, MD to talk about how crucial communication with the clinical team is after oocyte pick-up.

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Oocyte pick-up: Laboratory standards and recommendations

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 12:10:37 GMT

Our host Steve Levett, PhD is joined by experts Dr Daniela Nogueira, PhD and Arianna D’Angelo, MD to discuss the importance of laboratory standards and recommendations for optimising oocyte pick-up.

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Oocyte pick up: How to prepare patients

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 11:16:09 GMT

Our host Steve Levett, PhD is joined by Arianna D'Angelo, MD, Clinical Lead Reproductive Medicine and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Wales Fertility Institute and Cardiff University. In this insightful episode they discuss how your patients can best prepare for oocyte pick up.

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How RI Witness can help prevent mismatches

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 12:21:18 GMT

With a product focus, Michael J Tucker, PhD, FiBiol, HCLD, Chief Scientific Director at Shady Grove Fertility, talks to our Americas Regional Manager for Equipment Business Support, Amanda Bostian, PhD, about helping prevent gamete and embryo mismatches during IVF. Together they explore the impact of mismatches on IVF laboratories, clinics and IVF patients and how RIWitness can help mitigate the risk.

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Coffee table talks: Genomics experts live at ASRM

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 10:42:03 GMT

Join us for the first of our short, informal coffee table talks recorded live at ASRM 2021!

Our team of genomics experts, Tony Gordon, PhD, Prof Mark Hughes, MD, PhD, David Chrimes PhD and Mike Large PhD discuss the latest research presented at ASRM and what it's like to be back with each other in 3D!

Mark and Mike speak about their panel discussion on PGT Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, and the team chat about Jennifer Doudna's, PhD's guest plenary lecture on CRISPR-Cas9, as well as other exciting research unveiled at ASRM 2021.

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Demystifying mosaicism: The future

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 07:46:56 GMT

Host Tony Gordon, PhD, speaks to renowned experts in reproductive genetics Mark Hughes, MD, PhD and Manuel Viotti, PhD, about one of the most popular topics in the ART community - mosaicism!

In the last episode on this topic, the conversation looks to the future of mosaicism and what we should expect next from the rapidly moving science!

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Demystifying mosaicism: Innovation and technology

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 07:46:37 GMT

Host Tony Gordon, PhD, speaks to renowned experts in reproductive genetics Mark Hughes, MD, PhD and Manuel Viotti, PhD, about one of the most popular topics in the ART community - mosaicism!

In the second episode, the conversation moves towards advancements in technology, leaving us with as many answers as new questions!

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Demystifying mosaicism: Where did it all begin?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 07:45:15 GMT

Host Tony Gordon, PhD, speaks to renowned experts in reproductive genetics Mark Hughes, MD, PhD and Manuel Viotti, PhD, about one of the most popular topics in the ART community - mosaicism!

In the first episode, the conversation explores the origin of mosaicism and the early pioneers in the field.

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Future strategies for successful embryo transfer

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:47:22 GMT

Host Steve Levett, PhD, is joined by Kazem Nouri, Prof, PhD, Dr and Jason Swain, PhD, HCLD, to discuss embryo transfer. In the final episode on embryo transfer, the conversation turns to freeze all strategies and other ideas for the future of the field.

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The use of consumables during embryo transfer

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 11:35:36 GMT

Host Steve Levett, PhD, is joined by Kazem Nouri, Prof, PhD, Dr and Jason Swain, PhD, HCLD, to discuss embryo transfer. In episode three, the conversation moves to the use of catheters and media during embryo transfer.

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Good Laboratory Techniques for Embryo Transfer

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 07:41:29 GMT

The second episode of our embryo transfer theme. Steve Levett, PhD, is joined by Kazem Nouri, Prof, PhD, Dr and Jason Swain, PhD, HCLD, who delve into the key aspects of transfer including laboratory techniques, particularly loading and pre-flushing the catheter.

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The Importance of IVF Training for Embryo Transfer

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 07:31:31 GMT

Host Steve Levett, PhD, is joined by Kazem Nouri, Prof, PhD, Dr and Jason Swain, PhD, HCLD, to discuss embryo transfer, highlighting the important issues faced by practitioners performing this procedure for the first time.

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Fertility preservation for cancer patients: The possible bright future of in-vitro maturation (IVM) and patient outcomes

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 08:34:06 GMT

Steven Fleming, PhD concludes the conversation with Michel De Vos, MD, PhD and Robert Gilchirst, PhD by talking about the promising future IVM has in both fertility preservation and infertility treatment.

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Fertility preservation for cancer patients: Optimising oocyte recovery for IVM

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 08:30:13 GMT

In episode five of Fertility Insights, Steven Fleming, PhD, continues the conversation about IVM for fertility preservation in cancer patients with experts Michel De Vos, PhD and Robert Gilchirst, PhD.

Robert talks to Steven about considering the ovarian medulla as a valuable source of oocytes for recovery and how best to achieve maximum developmental potential of oocytes. Michel discusses how to manage patients presenting with ovarian tumours to give them the best chance of fertility preservation.

Look out for the final episode on this topic!

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Fertility preservation for cancer patients: In Vitro Maturation (IVM) and its role in oncofertility

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 13:51:05 GMT

Join Steven Fleming, PhD, Michel De Vos, MD, PhD and Robert Gilchrist, DSc as they discuss the role of IVM in oncofertility.

In this episode, they chat about the definition of IVM, why it is a useful approach for the management of oncofertility, and the different options available for cancer patients.

Look out for the following episodes on this topic!

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Pioneering a universal warming procedure

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 14:37:24 GMT

Steven Fleming, PhD, Director of Embryology at CooperSurgical is in conversation with the highly respected and experienced industry expert Dr Lodovico Parmegiani, Head of Embryology at NextClinics International. Together they discuss how Dr Lodovicio pioneered his influential universal warming procedure and the subsequent impact this procedure had on clinical practice.

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Male Fertility: Could reproductive health screening help?

Mon, 10 May 2021 08:35:15 GMT

Episode Two on Male Fertility: David Morroll, PhD continues the conversation with Denny Sakkas, PhD and Sarah Martins da Silva, PhD. With the focus on age and sperm quality, they look towards the future of fertility screening for men.

To view the accompanying webinar, head to: fertility.coopersurgical.com/webinar-library/

Don’t forget to like, comment and share and see you for our next episode of Fertility Insights!

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Male Fertility: Healthier lifestyle, healthier sperm?

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:24:58 GMT

Join our host, David Morroll, PhD, who chats with Sarah Martins da Silva, PhD, and Denny Sakkas, PhD, during our first episode 'Male Fertility: Healthier lifestyle, healthier sperm?' as they discuss andrology and the impact of changes in lifestyle and diet to potentially improve chances of conception.

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