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Dear Colleague,

Re: Satellite/Transport IVF

I am writing to you to clarify  the situation regarding satellite and transport IVF.   Satellite IVF is where the assessment, drug therapy and monitoring take place at the secondary (satellite) centre but the egg retrieval, embryology and embryo replacement are all carried out at the primary (licensed) centre.

In transport IVF, the assessment, drug therapy, monitoring and egg retrieval takes place at the satellite centre but the embryology and embryo replacement takes place at the primary centre.

Paragraph 7.4 of the Code of Practice 4th Edition states that 'where any part of treatment services is to take place in premises not covered by a licence (a satellite centre), the law requires the licensed centre intending to carry out the subsequent embryo transfer to ensure that all requirements of the Act and Code of Practice are complied with before any part of the treatment begins. These requirements cover information, counselling, the welfare of the child and confidentiality. Copies of the Act and Code of Practice should be supplied by the licensed centre to the satellite centre.'

The Authority acknowledges that satellite/transport IVF is not a licensable activity in terms of the Act as it is covered by the IVF licence of the centre at which the eggs and sperm are mixed. In response to a survey carried out in 1996/1997 of centres undertaking satellite IVF and a recent review of current practices, the Authority has that General Directions should be issued in relation to satellite/transport IVF. A copy of the General Directions is attached. Centres are reminded that compliance with Directions is required under section 23(2) of the HF&E Act 1990.

The General Directions formalise practices and procedures that are already ongoing at a number of centres. Primary centres should ensure that, before any licensed treatment involving satellite/transport IVF is initiated, they have documentary evidence to show that, for each patient, the treatment complies with the Act and Code of Practice in relation to:

• the provision of information;
• the offer and availability of counselling;
• welfare of the child assessment;
• for ensuring that suitable practices are used;
• that all staff involved in the provision of licensable activities are of suitable character, qualifications and experience; and
• that proper equipment is used.

Evidence should take the form of a statement or checklist signed by a suitable person at the satellite centre in respect of treatment of individuals. A suggested checklist is attached. The checklist should be completed for each patienfand a copy of the completed checklist should be sent to th6 primary centre. This list should be kept in the patient notes at the primary centre so that the primary centre is ensured that all the relevant documentation has been completed. The checklist will be examined during the annual inspection. Centres are reminded that copies of all documentation i.e. HFEA treatment and consent forms should be kept in the patient files at the primary centre.

The Authority has also agreed that centres involved in satellite or transport IVF should provide the HFEA with a formal agreement signed by both parties showing clearly which centre is responsible for each aspect of compliance with the Act and Code of Practice. A copy of the agreement should be submitted with the documentation supplied for interim and renewal inspections.

We hope that you find this guidance helpful. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Wall (tel: 020 7539 3315).

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Deech
Chairman

Page last updated: 14 April 2009

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