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The well-run lab
financial advantages as well. However, it is important to recognize that savings might not be obvious in operational costs – since the technical process often ends up costing more when we use properly-certified devices and other products, higher quality products, etc – but there will be larger-scale savings by eliminating inefficiency and the need for “re-work.” There are also several highly beneficial corollaries to having a well-run IVF Lab. • Keeping stress levels down for yourself and your staff by virtue of well-designed and efficient systems that are unlikely to go wrong. • Being able to sleep easy at night, without having to worry about what went wrong today, or what might go wrong tomorrow. • That warm glow that comes from “being the best.” • The comfort of knowing that you are unlikely to suffer the embarrassing catastrophes that befall some other labs. • The confidence that next time you’re asked “What’s wrong in the lab?” you’ll be able to give the prompt response “Nothing, everything is running within its control limits.” This is not about “CYA,” but it certainly does give you asbestos underpants! Implementing Quality Management and Risk Management in IVF Centers should be based on carrots, and not sticks, but regulatory authorities will always have the last word: the EU Tissues and Cells Directive requires a formal Quality Management System, and so every IVF Center in the EU has to create one. However, hopefully we have convinced you that professional self-respect should be sufficient motivation, and that prophylaxis is far better than cure.