Embryology Laboratory Team 1

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.

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Embryologist and Andrologist

Krista Kelly, B.S.

Krista graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 2016 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. She researched microorganisms for two years while working as a microbiologist at Merieux Nutriscience Laboratories before joining the Family Fertility Center team in 2019. Krista has successfully completed her certification courses in human embryology and andrology offered by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Krista has always been interested in genetics and her studies in human embryology and andrology have reinforced that interest. She is proficient in andrology procedures such as semen analysis with strict Kruger criteria, sperm preparation for insemination, cryopreservation of semen  and assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. She is also an accomplished embryologist performing in-vitro fertilization (IVF), assisted hatching, embryo transfers and cryopreservation of human embryos with various verification techniques.

Embryology Laboratory Team 2
Embryology Laboratory Team 1

Embryologist and Andrologist

Caitlin Padalino, B.S.

Caitlin Padalino graduated from Delaware Valley University in 2016 with a B.S. in Biology. Shortly after graduating college, Caitlin studied at Lincoln Technical Institute and became a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). She had worked at Lehigh Valley Physicians Group and ExpressCare in Nazareth as a CMA.

Caitlin has always taken an interest in science, microbiology, and working in a lab environment. She brought with her unique experience working in health science laboratories. She had worked at OraSure Technologies in Bethlehem, a manufacturer of oral tests for HIV, HCV, and Zika Virus. Before she joined the assisted reproductive technology (ART) team at the Family Fertility Center, she was working at B. Braun Medical in the Quality Control lab using LAL (Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate) to detect bacteria in medical products.

Caitlin started with Family Fertility Center in November 2019 and successfully completed her certification course in human embryology offered by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. She is proficient in andrology procedures such as semen analysis with strict Kruger criteria, sperm preparation for insemination (IUI) and A.R.T. procedures. She assists with oocyte retrievals, embryo transfers, andchecking fertilization of embryos. With her certified medical assistant background, you may see her up front performing phlebotomy on patients once in a while.

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If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Do not use our form to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You must call our office at (610) 868-8600.

We understand you may have a lot of questions. Additionally, each couple or individual has a unique set of circumstances. To this end, the best way to get answers for your situation is a face-to-face consultation with our physician.

Contact Us

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Do not use our form to cancel or reschedule your appointment. You must call our office at (610) 868-8600.

We understand you may have a lot of questions. Additionally, each couple or individual has a unique set of circumstances. To this end, the best way to get answers for your situation is a face-to-face consultation with our physician.

Contact Us