Industry's First Interactive Educational Microsite For Fertility And Reproductive Specialists Launched

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 13 May 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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The industry's first interactive, behind-the-scenes video takes viewers day-by-day through the techniques and procedures of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) through a new online destination from Cook Medical. < CookARTLab.com is designed to improve laboratory and clinical performance in the field of assisted reproductive technology (A.R.T.).

The Cook A.R.T. Lab tour shows real-world demonstrations of ovum collection, sperm injection, embryo culture and embryo transfer, with guidance on how to optimise each step for improved pregnancy rates. The microsite also features a knowledge base with up-to-the minute links to the most current published research in A.R.T.; a a discussion forum that allows professionals to exchange information and experiences; and a news centre posting upcoming industry events - making the Cook site a centralised resource on breaking research and best practices for fertility and reproductive specialists.

Describing the new website, Rachel Cutting embryologist at the Centre for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Sheffield, commented: "The lab tour provides an introduction to all aspects of laboratory procedures. While not all the procedures are performed the same way in every lab, this (the tour) does give newcomers to the field a great overview of what is involved (in IVF). The tour would be extremely useful for new staff working in an IVF unit. Some patients are curious about what happens behind our closed doors so this would be another resource for them to feel they were informed and more comfortable with the IVF process."

In addition to the industry's first interactive A.R.T. lab tour, Cook is providing an entire suite of resources to assist infertility and reproduction professionals in gaining the added knowledge and expertise necessary to have a marked impact on patient outcomes. The specific assets found at the first-of-its-kind Cook A.R.T. Lab website include:

- A.R.T. Lab Tour - Provides an expert behind-the-scenes look at the entire IVF experience from preparation for ovum aspiration to embryo transfer, featuring Cook's industry leading hA.R.T. products. Translated transcripts of the videos are also available for download in Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, Chinese and Japanese as well as English.

- Knowledge Centre - Offers a continually updated pipeline and archive of recent publications and resources on all facets of A.R.T. and IVF divided by key subject areas. Topics include: Human ovum collection; sperm preparation and intrauterine insemination; embryo culture and incubation; cryopreservation and vitrification; ICSI and micromanipulation; and embryo transfer.

- Discussion Forum - Engages experts, peers and Cook Medical product specialists to exchange A.R.T. knowledge and experience. Multilingual questions, input and discussion are encouraged on all relevant topics and products.

- News and Events - Gathers and posts the latest breaking news on IVF, A.R.T. and Cook Medical from across the Internet as well as posting an ongoing channel of upcoming industry events dedicated to advancing the practice of IVF.

- Detailed Product Information - Links to catalogued information and resources on the complete line of Cook Medical products for A.R.T. and other women's health-related applications.

Since its inception more than thirty years ago, IVF has rapidly evolved and significant advancements have been made in the field of assisted reproductive technology (A.R.T.). For more than 25 years, Cook Medical has provided infertility and reproductive specialists with innovative products to meet the needs of each individual patient. Cook's end-to-end suite of A.R.T. products assists professionals in every step of the IVF process, from early infertility detection through to the embryo transfer. The Cook A.R.T. Lab demonstrates the depth and breadth of the Cook solutions, highlighting how each product in the suite can be used most effectively to optimise the IVF process.

"For over two decades, Cook has remained dedicated to furthering the practice of IVF by providing today's experts with industry leading products and cutting-edge resources to improve pregnancy rates," said Christina Anné, Vice President of Cook Medical's Women's Health Strategic Business Unit. "With the launch of this microsite, Cook Medical is continuing our commitment to the advancement of IVF by harnessing the dynamic power of the Internet to provide today's infertility specialists with real-time access to the resources and information necessary to support patients and improve their practices."

Source
Cook Medical

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