Barcodes Could Prevent Future IVF Mistakes

An Israeli biotechnology firm says that its bar code tracking system could help IVF clinics electronically track all the components involved in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and avoid future mix-ups.

The claim comes after it was disclosed last week that a mix-up at British IVF clinic resulted in a white woman unexpectedly giving birth to black twins.

IMT manufacturers a barcode system called Embryoguard which provides a unique electronic identifier for all components of IVF treatment: prospective parents, eggs, sperm samples and embryos, making mix-ups far more difficult

Biotechnology company IMT said it hoped to receive approval for its product early next year after the completion of clinical trials.

The system is said to verify identifiers throughout the process and ensures that procedures cannot take place unless the data matches.

Using the technology stops IVF specialists from fertilising eggs or transferring embryos to the patient unless the identification barcode matches.

The system can also be extended to include placing microscopic CCTV cameras inside IVF incubators, doctors can check the progress of embryos throughout their development and identify those most likely to produce a successful pregnancy.

According to a report by Reuters the company plans to install demonstration units at British clinics by October and hopes to get FDA approval for the system by April 2003.