HEFA-1999 Part 1/2nd proof - Human Fertilisation & Embryology ...

HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY AUTHORITY
1999 ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
different conditions increases and the techniques involved continue to
develop.
The HFEA established a joint working group with the Advisory
Committee on Genetic Testing (ACGT) and is preparing a public
consultation document on the issues surrounding the use of PGD. It is
expected that this will be published in autumn 1999. The joint working
group also developed an interim inspection and licensing framework for
PGD that includes the development of training and assessment criteria
for the evaluation of practitioners carrying out the embryo biopsy part of
the procedure. This licensing framework is expected to be developed
further in the light of responses received to the consultation document.
CRYOPRESERVATION
OF SPERM AND
EMBRYOS
STORAGE OF
TESTICULAR AND
OVARIAN TISSUE
ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
– REVIEW OF
GUIDELINES
WORKING GROUP ON
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
IN REPRODUCTIVE
TECHNOLOGY
(WGNDRT)
A consultation paper on this subject was issued in June 1998 and sent to
licensed centres, relevant experts and professional organisations. The
document discussed the issues around the safe cryopreservation of
sperm and embryos following a reported incident of cross contamination
of hepatitis B in liquid nitrogen storage vessels containing bone
marrow. The HFEA concluded that the potential risks, while very low,
had to be taken seriously. The consultation document included a review
of the safety issues and recommended a series of new guidelines for
inclusion in the next edition of the Code of Practice.
Responses to the consultation document are currently being considered
and the Working Group on Safe Cryopreservation has been
reconvened to prepare a draft report to the HFEA.
During 1998 the HFEA published its policy of the storage of testicular
and ovarian tissue. Essentially, any tissue containing viable gametes must
not be stored except under a licence from the HFEA. In 1999 the RCOG
set up a Working Group, on which the HFEA is represented, to develop
best practice guidelines on the storage and handling of such tissue.
The HFEA is currently reviewing its guidelines which relate to the long
term storage of gametes (and embryos) for patients about to undergo
chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery which is likely to adversely affect
their fertility and is consulting centres on this issue.
The HFEA’s Working Group on New Developments in Reproductive
Technology (WGNDRT) advises the Authority on the progress and safety
of, and the training standards for, new clinical and scientific techniques.
When considering novel applications the WGNDRT always places great
emphasis on evidence of the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
Additionally, once new procedures have been licensed, the WGNDRT
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