Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Reproductive Endocrinologist?

A Reproductive Endocrinologist is a gynecologist who is specially trained in the treatment of couples and individuals with infertility problems. The training and certification process is long and demanding. Board Certification verifies that your physician is among the experts in his or her field.

After completing residency in obstetrics and gynecology, physicians who show a special interest in research and teaching are selected for fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Offered only in a select few academic medical centers, fellowship is an intensive two or three-year research and training course in the special problems of couples with infertility, Fellows work with established experts in the field and undertake their own independent research.

Board Certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is given only to those physicians who show special skill and knowledge in the field; who have published their research and contributed to advancement in the field; and who show the highest standards of patient care. Oral and written examinations and defense of an acceptable research thesis are required. Periodic re-certification and continuing education requirements are in force. Certification of Reproductive Endocrinologists is performed by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

For further information, see http://www.abog.org  

What is a High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director?

A clinical laboratory is a place where blood samples are sent for testing. Common tests include hormones (e.g. testosterone), metabolites (e.g. glucose) and diseases (e.g. hepatitis). The tests performed in a clinical laboratory can only be requested by a physician and all tests are associated with a medical diagnosis or treatment. The tests are categorized according to how simple or difficult they are to perform.

Low complexity tests are typically tests that can be performed by a physician in his or her own office. Although you might not consider your physician's office to be a laboratory, if simple testing is performed there, the office is categorized by law as a "Physician Office Laboratory". Examples of low complexity tests are the reading of dipsticks that measure protein levels in urine, or the examination of cervical mucus for the presence of sperm.
More complicated tests are those that cannot be performed easily and that usually require calibrated instruments or equipment to perform. If you are having your cholesterol checked for example, the instruments and equipment used for the testing need regular checks and calibration to ensure accurate testing. The persons performing these tests require special training and often licenses to perform their jobs.

Tests are classified as moderately or highly complex. High complexity tests have the strictest rules and regulations, and require extra training for staff. Almost all procedures performed in Andrology and Embryology laboratories are categorized as high complexity testing. Examples of high complexity tests are counting the number of sperm in a semen sample or assessing the viability of human embryos.

The individuals responsible for running a Clinical Laboratories must meet specific criteria in order to be licensed to do their job. They must have a demonstrated track record of training, testing and supervising the procedures in their particular specialty. They must have specific qualifications. For high complexity laboratories, only Physicians, Pathologists or doctoral level, PhD scientists qualify. These standards are set in Federal and sometimes State law. These standards mandate that the individuals in charge of laboratories are able to ensure accurate and reliable testing, and provide consultations to Physicians regarding the significance of procedures and test results.

A director who wishes to take charge of a high complexity clinical laboratory must be licensed and certified by a governing body. The credentials of the director are carefully reviewed by an examining board. The board must first approve the individual to take a series of examinations. Only after passing these exams can an individual become a High Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director. Certification in the field of Embryology and Andrology is awarded by the American Board of Bioanalysis. For further information, see http://aab.org/