Embryology Laboratory Team

Laboratory Director

H. Christina Lee, M.D., J.D., E.L.D., H.C.L.D.

Our on-site laboratory director, Dr. H. Christina Lee, has been certified as an embryology laboratory director (E.L.D.) and a high complexity clinical laboratory director (H.C.L.D) in the laboratory science of andrology and embryology by the American Board of Bioanalysis since 1995. This certification is the highest standard that can be accomplished in the field.

An assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory performs many highly technical and complex procedures. A major, if not the single most important, outcome determinative factor for success in ART is the quality of the ART laboratory. Good quality management in the ART laboratory requires vigilant oversight by an actively participating laboratory director. Towards that goal, a high complexity laboratory director is responsible for a multitude of tasks. These include but not limited to close observation of laboratory staff to ensure strict adherence to protocols, constant monitoring of laboratory performance metrics to spot trends and shifts, prompt identification of root cause of any problem, timely implementation of remedial action, diligent follow-up of any change in protocols to evaluate effectiveness, frequent review and revision of laboratory policies and procedures to improve laboratory performance, critical evaluation of new technology for potential harms and benefits, and always be prepared for emergency or disaster to mitigate any potential negative impact.

 We have the distinct privilege of having an on-site laboratory director who is double boarded as a reproductive endocrinologist and a high complexity laboratory director. She is uniquely qualified with the technical skills in embryology and andrology, the laboratory science in human andrology and embryology, and the medical expertise in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Our laboratory director is involved not only in the day-to-day operation but the critical quality improvement activities in the laboratory. Her unusual qualification and dedication enables us to critically evaluate every new finding for its merit before we integrate seamlessly a new clinical discovery or ground-breaking innovation in assisted reproductive technologies into our practice and our laboratory.