An Auckland fertility clinic has apologised to a family after losing frozen embryos in its care.

The embryos went missing from Fertility Associates’ Auckland clinic last year, Fertility Associates chief medical officer Dr Andrew Murray said in an email to clients this morning.

However, they had confirmed none of the missing embryos had been transferred to another patient.

“Late last year we became aware that frozen embryos belonging to one of our Auckland patients had gone missing while in our care.

“Despite not having all of the definitive answers, we provided immediate transparency to the impacted family as soon as we detected the issue and have kept them regularly updated.”

They understood the “anxiety and concern” a missing embryo would create, Murray said.

“We know how much emotional energy goes into the IVF process, and have sincerely apologised to the family.

“We can confirm with absolute confidence that no embryo has been transferred to another patient.”

Transfers in the period in question have been audited, and both human and electronic witnessing had confirmed no other issues occurred, he said.

“A recent audit of our Auckland clinic has also confirmed there are no additional missing embryos.”

Fertility Associates used RI Witness, an electronic witnessing system that used Radio Frequency Identification tags and barcoding to track and monitor patient samples such as eggs, sperm, and embryos throughout the IVF process.

“It provides an automated, real-time layer of security and traceability, avoiding potential mix-ups by sounding an alarm at the workstation if samples are mismatched.”

An “exhaustive and methodical investigation” had taken place, including asking an independent international laboratory expert to audit the gamete and embryo storage and transfer processes, Murray said.

“The findings of the independent review confirm that Fertility Associates’ processes are robust and secure, in line with international best practice.”

They were committed to continuing to strengthen laboratory systems and governance across all sites, including moving the Auckland frozen embryo storage to a new, larger, dedicated area within the Greenlane building, he said.

They were also improving senior laboratory oversight, and reinforcing training, quality assurance, and internal reporting mechanisms.

“The relationship we have with our patients is built on trust, and we appreciate that trust has been shaken through this situation.

“On behalf of Fertility Associates I want to sincerely apologise for any concern this news creates for you and your family. It is important to us that you receive this information directly and are reassured that no other patients are involved in this incident.”

Fertility Associates is being approached for comment.