Introduction

The equipment, the personnel and the space requirements needed to perform intrauterine insemination (IUI) and ovulation induction (OI) will depend on the number and type of procedures to be performed, and on the availability of other infertility services in the area. A gynecology or general practice office or clinic that routinely performs speculum examinations and only intends to perform IUI with cryopreserved donor sperm will already have all the necessary equipment if it has a microscope and either performs ultrasound or has it available nearby. Larger offices and clinics that plan to offer IUI with husband's or partner's sperm will need appropriate counter space for equipment to perform semen analysis, sperm processing and other tests if required. If they also plan to cryopreserve sperm, they will need additional space for liquid nitrogen tanks and storage space for Dewar cryogenic storage tanks. Clinics that monitor their own reproductive hormone levels during the cycles require additional equipment and a substantial increase in counter and laboratory space.

This chapter describes the requirements for clinic layout and personnel in general terms, and provides lists of equipment, disposable supplies and safety items that may be needed, depending on the specific procedures that an infertility office or clinic plans to perform.

Facilities

Clinics that perform therapeutic fertility treatments should be designed in such a way that they are capable of providing the best patient care (Fig. 4.1). Small private clinics as well as large clinics need sufficient lobby space and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.