IVF Support Services from The coLABorative
The coLABorative provides practical, science-led support for IVF and andrology laboratories across the full lifecycle of planning, buildout, operations, compliance, and continuity. Below is a consolidated list of services with a clear breakdown of what each one covers.
Design, Construction and Commissioning
Support for new builds, remodels, expansions, and modernization projects. This can include early planning and workflow layout, equipment footprinting, infrastructure and utilities coordination, and oversight through commissioning so the lab is operationally ready and aligned with regulatory expectations. Commissioning support can include burn-in planning, QC readiness, and validation-minded launch activities.
Project Management Services
Independent project oversight to keep complex lab projects on track. This includes timeline and milestone management, coordination across architects, contractors, and vendors, risk tracking, and objective reporting to leadership. The focus is ensuring the finished facility matches the lab’s operational needs and intended performance, not just the construction drawings.
Laboratory Director Services
Access to experienced HCLD director leadership to support scientific oversight and compliance obligations. This can include director-level review of policies and processes, inspection readiness, documentation alignment, and guidance across CLIA, CAP, Joint Commission, FDA, SART, and state-specific requirements where applicable.
Auditing, Assessment and Consultation
Structured assessments designed to identify risks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities across lab and clinical operations. This can include workflow review, physical plant and operational evaluation, gap analyses, mock audits, inspection preparation, and protocol updates. Financial and operational efficiency reviews may include pricing models, vendor contracts, equipment ROI, and staffing utilization.
Staffing and Administrative Support
Recruitment and staffing support tailored to reproductive laboratories. This can include candidate sourcing and screening, competency assessment frameworks, staffing level audits, customized job descriptions, and reviews of employment contracts and compensation structures to support stability, coverage, and role clarity.
Scientific Advisory Board Services
Support to create or strengthen advisory participation for organizations seeking expert input, product evaluation structure, and stronger credibility within the IVF community. This can include advisory board structure, feedback programs, expert review processes for products and services, and frameworks that support adoption and trust.
Emergency Services
Rapid support during unexpected disruptions that threaten lab continuity. This can include triage planning, operational decision support, staffing and scheduling adjustments, critical equipment coordination, cryostorage continuity planning, and on-site oversight for remediation and safe restart when needed.
Benefits of working with The coLABorative
- Built by embryologists, for embryologists: guidance grounded in real-world lab workflow and patient-centered priorities
- Faster, cleaner execution: fewer avoidable delays, clearer decisions, and stronger coordination across stakeholders
- Reduced operational risk: practical oversight that helps prevent small issues from becoming costly problems
- Stronger readiness and compliance: inspection-minded documentation and process alignment without losing operational momentum
- Better consistency in outcomes: recommendations that support stable performance, repeatability, and high-quality systems
- Scalable support: services that can plug in for targeted needs or provide ongoing partnership as your program grows
The CoLABorative management team includes Dara Berger, PhD, MPH, MS; Charlene Alouf, PhD, HCLD, TS; Gerry Celia, MBA, PhD, HCLD, CC; and Liesl Nel-Themaat, PhD, HCLD, MBA.
