The Council on Human Reproductive Technology has launched an investigation into an incident involving a mix-up of embryo biopsy specimens at Heal Fertility Limited (Heal Fertility), a licensed human reproductive technology centre in Central.
Following the incident, the council passed a resolution to vary the licensee’s treatment licence, suspending 14 out of 17 treatment services permitted at the centre. The premises may only continue to provide three services, including storage services for gametes or embryos, until the council and the Police complete the investigation.
The council received separate notifications on June 17 from Heal Fertility and the Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong at the Prince of Wales Hospital. The diagnosis centre, which provides laboratory testing services for Heal Fertility, reported that embryo biopsy specimens sent by the company for genetic testing were suspected to have been replaced by other specimens.
An investigation committee was immediately established by the council, which subsequently reported the matter to the Department of Health (DH) and the Police on July 3 and 6 respectively.
Information provided by Heal Fertility indicates there was no mix-up actual embryos. The incident involved a mix-up of the biopsy specimens sent for laboratory testing.
Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that any embryos had been mixed up or wrongly implanted into patients. Initial findings suggest the incident may have been caused by human error.
The DH noted that Heal Fertility failed to report the incident within 24 hours upon identification, constituting a non-compliance with the Code of Practice of the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance. The department has issued a requirement notice directing Heal Fertility to submit an investigation report within four weeks, detailing a root cause analysis, immediate corrective actions and long-term improvement measures.
Heal Fertility has since implemented measures to enhance access control for handling embryos and specimens on its premises.
The centre is contacting all clients who have undergone reproductive treatment at the facility to provide updates and follow-up support. It will also provide free pre-implantation genetic testing, parental testing and counselling to affected clients and has established a hotline at 3703 3608 to handle enquiries.