AHU Operation During Embryo Transfer to Cryocans
No, the Air Handling Unit (AHU) in the IVF laboratory should NOT be shut off when embryos are being transferred to cryocans—continuous 24/7 AHU operation is essential to maintain controlled environmental conditions that protect both the cryopreservation process and long-term storage integrity. 1
Critical Rationale for Continuous AHU Operation
Environmental control is a fundamental component of laboratory safety and quality management that must be maintained at all times, not just during active embryo culture. 2, 1
The ESHRE guidelines for good practice in IVF laboratories emphasize that laboratory safety and quality management systems require consistent environmental conditions as an ongoing requirement, which directly supports the need for continuous AHU operation even during cryopreservation periods. 1
Temperature and humidity control provided by the AHU prevents condensation formation and maintains optimal storage conditions for cryopreserved materials, which is critical for long-term specimen integrity. 1
Why Shutting Off the AHU Creates Risk
Interrupting air handling during the transfer process to cryocans introduces multiple quality and safety hazards:
Air quality in the clinical embryology laboratory is considered critical for high IVF success rates, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter posing risks to embryo viability even during brief exposures. 3
Cryogenic storage requires a controlled environment to prevent equipment malfunction and maintain optimal long-term storage conditions—the AHU provides this foundation continuously. 1, 4
Quality management plans for IVF laboratories must include comprehensive focus on cryostorage of reproductive specimens, which includes maintaining environmental controls during all cryopreservation activities. 4
Practical Implementation Requirements
The AHU must operate continuously with appropriate maintenance protocols:
The AHU should operate 24/7 with maintenance schedules designed to avoid compromising air quality during service intervals, as specified in guidelines for good practice in IVF laboratories. 1
Emergency backup systems must be in place as part of the laboratory's emergency plan to ensure power failures or equipment malfunctions do not compromise the controlled environment. 1
Equipment used for critical steps should have uninterruptible power supply to maintain continuous operation. 2
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
Common misconceptions about AHU operation during cryopreservation:
Do not assume that once embryos are vitrified they no longer require environmental protection—the transfer process itself and the storage equipment still depend on controlled ambient conditions. 1
Do not shut off the AHU to "save energy" or reduce operating costs during periods when active embryo culture is not occurring, as this compromises the entire quality management system. 2, 1
Do not neglect the fact that operating areas and equipment require consistent environmental conditions for proper sterilization and contamination prevention, which the AHU provides continuously. 2