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04 April 2000

Dear Colleague,

The Use of Fragment Removal

The HFEA is aware that a few clinics world wide have been using the technique of fragment removal from embryos in conjunction with assisted hatching.

The HFEA has recently reviewed the evidence on the use of fragment removal in clinical treatment. The HFEA feels that the published scientific articles did not provide evidence that the use of fragment removal was effective and there was the suggestion that it might be harmful. It was noted that the degree of harm would relate to operator expertise and the degree of fragment removal undertaken.

The HFEA is agreed that, at the current time, there is not enough evidence to satisfy the HFEA of the safety and efficacy of fragment removal.

Any centre wishing to use this technique in clinical treatment would need to apply to the HFEA prior to any use in treatment. The centre would need to provide evidence to satisfy the HFEA regarding the safety and efficacy of the technique of fragment removal from embryos.  

Yours sincerely,

Ruth Deech
Chairman

Page last updated: 14 April 2009

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