AI and IVF: Responsible Innovation
We have always championed cutting-edge technologies to advance patient care at Waterstone Clinic. Our team has pioneered embryo and oocyte vitrification as well as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in Ireland, and we continuously explore innovations that can improve outcomes in fertility treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a key focus of our research for years (see our publication below).
We have explored early predictive modelling to rigorous validation (i.e. accuracy testing) and clinical integration (e.g. its use in patient care). Our validation study is ongoing and will soon be completed, contributing further evidence to the scientific community.
AI in our IVF Lab
In 2022, we adopted IDAscore 2.0 at the Waterstone Clinic Lab. This is one of the most advanced AI tools in embryology, distinguished by its extensive published validation datasets.
Other Irish clinic’s AI systems rely on static embryo images, but IDAscore 2.0 leverages time-lapse technology to assess continuous embryo development. This provides richer, more dynamic insights.
We use this tool in the lab as an assistive tool. It enhances, but does not replace, the expertise of our embryologists.
Real-World Labs
AI holds tremendous promise in IVF, but its implementation must be guided by robust validation and transparency. At this stage, we believe clinical teams must be cautious for several reasons:
- Limited Validation Across Diverse Settings – Many AI tools lack sufficient accuracy testing in a range of clinical environments (e.g., differing culture conditions, patient populations). Whether these tools can be used in a range of situations remains unknown.
- Not Enough External Validation – While AI often performs well in developers’ hands, independent studies are critical to confirm efficacy in real-world labs.
Our Irreplaceable Expertise
Why we are cautious is similar to why car companies are cautious about self-driving cars: before full autonomy is safe, the car must undergo exhaustive testing by the manufacturer, but then also be tested in real-world situations with local roads and local regulations. In the IVF lab, we need real-world validation and adaptation before we replace the judgment of an embryologist.
We embrace innovation at Waterstone Clinic, and we prioritise patient safety, scientific rigour, and clinical excellence. Your embryos are precious. We have integrated it responsibly as an enhancement to the irreplaceable expertise of our embryologists.
Upcoming Research
We will soon publish our validation results on IDAscore 2.0 validation—another step in advancing IVF through evidence-based progress.
Our team presented results at ESHRE in 2018 on “A prediction model powered by a Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) algorithm for selecting patients of a single frozen embryo”.