A recent incident at a London hospital has raised concerns about the potential damage to frozen eggs and embryos due to a faulty freezing solution. Over 100 patients who had their eggs and embryos frozen at the clinic have been notified about the possibility of damage during the freezing process. The faulty batch of solution was unknowingly used in September and October 2022. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) believes that only Guy’s Hospital and Jessop Fertility in Sheffield received the faulty batch.

Embryos are commonly frozen after in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles for various reasons, such as medical treatment delays or future treatment options. Unfortunately, many of the affected patients may have undergone cancer treatment after freezing their eggs or embryos, which could potentially lead to infertility. This means that they may not be able to conceive using their own eggs. The delay in informing the patients has prompted an investigation by the HFEA into Guy’s Hospital’s Assisted Conception Unit.

The news of potential damage to frozen eggs and embryos has understandably caused distress among those affected. Some patients have expressed that they would have made different decisions had they known about the issue earlier. The uncertainty surrounding the affected batches of the freezing solution has contributed to the delay in informing the patients.

The hospital has apologized for the situation and cited uncertainty from the manufacturer about the affected batches as one of the reasons for the delay. The manufacturer of the solution declined to comment on the matter. The HFEA is actively investigating the incident and will take any necessary action.

Both Guy’s Hospital and Jessop Fertility have already contacted all potentially affected patients. The HFEA has assured patients at other clinics that they should not be concerned about this specific problem and hopes to provide reassurance. However, any individuals who are worried about the incident are advised to contact their respective clinics.

It is important to note that fertility treatment in the UK is generally considered safe, with over 99% of treatment and storage cycles conducted without incident, according to recent HFEA data.

“Becky Kearns, Chief Executive at Fertility Network UK comments “As the national fertility charity, we urge anyone who may have been affected by this news, directly or indirectly, to please reach out to us here for support . You are not alone.”