Shaping the future of the IVF laboratory: standardization for more predictable outcomes

IVF is the foundational technology in the broader field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The IVF laboratory is at the heart of ART, both as a major source of innovation and advancement and as a key to the success of the treatments. However, substantial variability in laboratory practices persists, despite longstanding efforts to establish uniform standards for improved reliability, reproducibility, and comparability. This commentary highlights the core factors contributing to disparity in outcomes and illustrates how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and robotics, offer new opportunities to propel standardization forwards. By integrating data-driven benchmarks and automated processes, including in quality management, the future IVF laboratory can achieve better and more predictable outcomes and advance the global standard of care.