IVF Support services

IVF Support Services

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The coLABorative is a consulting and management company specializing in reproductive laboratory services. We provide comprehensive solutions for in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, including laboratory design, construction, staffing, accreditation, and ongoing management services.

Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience in assisted reproductive
medicine. Each of our four partners holds a PhD, High Complexity Laboratory Director
(HCLD) certification, and three hold MBAs. We offer a unique multi-tiered service model
that allows us to support you at any stage from initial consultation to complete
laboratory ownership and management.

We work with independent reproductive endocrinologists and physician groups who
want to develop or enhance their laboratory capabilities. Our clients range from
established practices seeking modernization to physicians starting new IVF programs.

We provide a complete spectrum of laboratory solutions:

  •  Laboratory Audits: Comprehensive evaluations for quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or investor due diligence
  •  Design & Build Services: Custom laboratory design, equipment selection, and construction oversight
  • Accreditation Support: Guidance through regulatory requirements and accreditation processes
  •  Staffing Solutions: Recruitment assistance, training programs, and temporary staffing
  • Project Management: Turn-key operations for new laboratory development
  • Laboratory Management: Full-service ongoing management of laboratory operations
  • Consulting Services: Strategic planning, process optimization, and best practice implementation

No. We work with laboratories at all stages—from greenfield projects to established
facilities seeking modernization, expansion, or improved operational efficiency.

Absolutely. Our team has extensive experience navigating regulatory requirements and
securing accreditation from bodies such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP),
The Joint Commission, and state-specific licensing agencies.

Absolutely. Our team has extensive experience navigating regulatory requirements and
securing accreditation from bodies such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP),
The Joint Commission, and state-specific licensing agencies.

Our Team

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