Our ability to grow embryos well, among other laboratory functions, is closely related to our willingness to evolve with change. Fifteen years ago, embryos were kept in the laboratory for up to 48 hours because we lacked the knowledge and technology for maintaining healthy embryos outside the body for longer periods of time. Today, embryos can routinely be maintained in the laboratory for 5 or 6 days, if necessary, with well-established standards of care.

Most of the activities inside the laboratory are intricately complex and can only be performed by highly trained individuals who specialize in embryology and andrology. Pacific Fertility Center is fortunate to have a large and experienced laboratory staff dedicated to the care and well being of eggs, embryos and sperm.

Our laboratory is accredited by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of on-site inspections. It is thanks to the embryologists’ meticulous work that our IVF laboratory repeatedly receives accreditations with “no deficiencies” in many aspects of the testing criteria. And of the more than 600 testing areas, the center was up to standard in each one!

Additionally, at Pacific Fertility Center we take the security of the laboratory very seriously. We have developed a multi-step protocol, SurTransfer^SM , which ensures the safe and secure handling of eggs, sperm and embryos.

In Pacific Fertility Center's laboratory, most of our staff is licensed at the laboratory supervisor level, which is above and beyond the level necessary for performing routine procedures. You can be assured our team of embryologists is exceptional in experience, qualifications and dedication.  

For information about our laboratory director click here: Joe Conaghan PhD, HCLD

Bios from some of our embryology team members:

Jennifer Andres, TS, ELD
Ms. Andres is a native Californian, born in San Francisco. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Willamette University in Salem, OR. Her first job as an embryologist was “…a lucky break!” She applied for an andrology position, and ended up being hired for as an embryologist instead. She has been with Pacific Fertility Center since 1998. “I enjoy embryology for many reasons- I enjoy being in an exciting field that is constantly changing with new developments. I like hands-on Petri dish and test tube work, and I love knowing that the work I do has a positive impact on the lives of many people. My job is fun (in addition to being rewarding) because I work with a great group of embryologists who not only get along well, but enjoy each other’s company.”

She is certified by The American Association of Bioanalysts Board of Registry as a Technical Supervisor and an Embryology Laboratory Director.

Arianna Conti, TS
Ms. Conti was born and grew up in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. She attended the University of Pisa, gaining the American equivalent of a Master in Science (biochemistry/physiology) degree. She used to eat her lunch (and take naps) on the lawn under the leaning tower of Pisa, which according to the local lore, students weren’t supposed to look at for too long otherwise they wouldn't graduate! “The reason I got into the field was practical. The andrology clinic had the shortest waiting list and I wanted to graduate on time.”

She began working at Pacific Fertility Center in December of 1997. “What I enjoy most about my job is that I get to help people achieve their dream of having a child, a dream no one should be denied. I also enjoy the company of my co-workers.”

She is certified by The American Association of Bioanalysts Board of Registry as a Technical Supervisor in Embryology and Andrology and is a certified CAP or College of American Pathologists inspector.

Jean Milan Popwell PhD, TS, HCLD
Dr. Popwell is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She received both her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia. She went on to earn a Doctorate degree in Reproductive Physiology at North Carolina State University. Ms. Popwell joined the Pacific Fertility Center team in the spring of 2000 and has gone on to earn her certification as a High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director . “I enjoy embryology because it provides me with the opportunity to help a lot of people while working with a wonderful, dedicated la b staff.“

She is certified by The American Association of Bioanalysts Board of Registry as a Technical Supervisor and as a High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director .

To read her story published in FertilityFlash ® click From Spot and Elvis to PFC

Andrew Runge TS, ELD
Mr. Runge is a native of Melbourne Australia. He graduated with honors from La Trobe University in Melbourne Australia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Physiology. He entered the field of embryology in 1987 with the encouragement of his zoology professor. After two years working in Australia, he moved to Southern California where he gained seven more years of laboratory experience as an embryologist. In 1996 he took over the direction of an embryology lab in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Runge joined the Pacific Fertility Center’ in 2000 contributing many years of valuable laboratory expertise to the IVF embryology team . “Working with the dedicated professionals in the PFC lab is what I enjoy most.“

He is certified by The American Association of Bioanalysts Board of Registry as a Technical Supervisor and as an Embryology Laboratory Director. 

For more information concerning certification, click on the following links:

ABB American Board of Bioanalysts

ELD Embryology Laboratory Director

TS Technical Supervisor.

HCLD High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director

CAP College of American Pathologists