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Inside our embryology lab
For more than 35 years, RPMG has helped patients build families through advanced reproductive technology and care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our IVF laboratory has been an essential part of that legacy from the beginning, combining experienced embryology leadership, rigorous protocols, and a deep commitment to the patients who place their trust in us.
Our IVF lab isn’t just where fertilization happens. It is a tightly controlled environment designed to protect specimens, uphold the most advanced safety standards in fertility care, and support the individualized treatment plan developed for each patient.
Why the IVF lab matters
The IVF laboratory plays a central role in some of the most important steps of your treatment. After eggs are retrieved, they are brought to the lab, where they may be fertilized through conventional insemination or ICSI, or frozen without fertilization for future use. Embryos are then carefully monitored as they develop, and some may be selected for transfer, genetic testing, or freezing for future use.
Due to the nature of in vitro fertilization, the systems behind the scenes matter. From air quality and temperature control to specimen identification and long-term cryostorage, our laboratory protocols are optimized for safety and security.
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Our safety and security protocols
Throughout every IVF cycle, our laboratory team is focused on the details that help keep eggs, sperm, embryos, and testicular tissue safe.
RPMG has developed safety and security protocols that go far beyond a single checkpoint, with layered systems that are followed with care, precision, and accuracy.
When we work with outside partners for services such as off-site storage or specimen shipping, those partners must meet our security standards and deliver the same standard of care our patients expect from us.
Our strict specimen identification and witnessing protocols ensure accurate identification of eggs, sperm, embryos, and testicular tissue throughout each step of the process.
RPMG uses electronic witnessing technology, which is an automated system that provides a visual chain of custody by photographing all procedures throughout the treatment cycle. In circumstances where eWitnessing is unavailable, manual witnessing with two employees is utilized.
Frozen eggs, sperm, and embryos are stored in specialized cryogenic tanks. These tanks contain liquid nitrogen to keep specimens safely frozen at extremely low temperatures.
In addition to the tanks' built-in monitoring, RPMG also uses Boreas monitoring, a weight-based system that tracks liquid nitrogen levels in cryostorage tanks. Unlike temperature monitoring, a weight-based monitoring system can detect the weight change of liquid to vapor-phase nitrogen, and can do so with up to 84 hours of advance notice. A redundant cryo-monitoring system is also in place, in the unlikely event that the primary system fails.
Embryos are highly sensitive to their surroundings, which is why IVF laboratories are designed differently from typical clinical spaces.
RPMG’s laboratory uses a dedicated HVAC system to help manage air quality, particles, and volatile organic compounds. These systems support a stable environment for the laboratory and the specimens within it.
Critical laboratory equipment requires an uninterrupted power supply. RPMG safeguards this through a combination of backup generators and UPS battery systems, ensuring essential equipment continues operating without interruption in the event of a power failure.
Generator systems are tested regularly, and records are maintained as part of laboratory requirements.
We are dedicated to protecting your information and data. RPMG follows strict data security practices for laboratory and patient information.
Laboratory safety also means planning for rare but serious events. We maintain rigorous protocols for emergency situations such as fires, earthquakes, or any other events that could impact our lab. Protecting patient specimens is our foremost priority.
Our strict specimen identification and witnessing protocols ensure accurate identification of eggs, sperm, embryos, and testicular tissue throughout each step of the process.
RPMG uses electronic witnessing technology, which is an automated system that provides a visual chain of custody by photographing all procedures throughout the treatment cycle. In circumstances where eWitnessing is unavailable, manual witnessing with two employees is utilized.
Frozen eggs, sperm, and embryos are stored in specialized cryogenic tanks. These tanks contain liquid nitrogen to keep specimens safely frozen at extremely low temperatures.
In addition to the tanks' built-in monitoring, RPMG also uses Boreas monitoring, a weight-based system that tracks liquid nitrogen levels in cryostorage tanks. Unlike temperature monitoring, a weight-based monitoring system can detect the weight change of liquid to vapor-phase nitrogen, and can do so with up to 84 hours of advance notice. A redundant cryo-monitoring system is also in place, in the unlikely event that the primary system fails.
Embryos are highly sensitive to their surroundings, which is why IVF laboratories are designed differently from typical clinical spaces.
RPMG’s laboratory uses a dedicated HVAC system to help manage air quality, particles, and volatile organic compounds. These systems support a stable environment for the laboratory and the specimens within it.
Critical laboratory equipment requires an uninterrupted power supply. RPMG safeguards this through a combination of backup generators and UPS battery systems, ensuring essential equipment continues operating without interruption in the event of a power failure.
Generator systems are tested regularly, and records are maintained as part of laboratory requirements.
We are dedicated to protecting your information and data. RPMG follows strict data security practices for laboratory and patient information.
Laboratory safety also means planning for rare but serious events. We maintain rigorous protocols for emergency situations such as fires, earthquakes, or any other events that could impact our lab. Protecting patient specimens is our foremost priority.
Accreditations and certifications
_1EVDvK.webp "FDA Registration for Reproductive Partners Medical Group")
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_2dg7lp.webp "College of American Pathologists Accredited Logo for Reproductive Partners Medical Group")
_Z3oGIC.webp "REI Protect Seal of Approval for Reproductive Partners Medical Group")
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Led by Mitchel Schiewe, PhD.
RPMG’s IVF lab is led by Mitchel C. Schiewe, M.S., Ph.D., a respected laboratory director, reproductive scientist, and applied embryologist with decades of experience in assisted reproductive technology.
Dr. Schiewe has contributed to research and clinical progress in areas including ICSI, embryo development, cryopreservation, vitrification, and laboratory quality practices. He has served as an author or co-author on 40+ peer-reviewed papers
His leadership reflects RPMG’s commitment to scientific excellence, laboratory rigor, and continuous improvement in fertility care.