Frozen eggs may have been damaged by faulty liquid at London clinic

Over 100 women were informed that their frozen eggs and embryos might be compromised due to a freezing solution error at a prominent London fertility clinic.

The Guy's Hospital clinic acknowledged using potentially defective freezing solution during September and October 2022, but was unaware of any issue at the time.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is currently investigating the incident. Many of the 136 affected patients had since undergone cancer treatments that could leave them infertile, jeopardizing their chances of conceiving with their own eggs.

Patients were recently notified that their stored eggs and embryos might not withstand thawing if affected by the defective solution. HFEA, which sent out a safety notice about the problematic solution in February 2023, reported that the problem might extend to other UK clinics, though no additional cases have been confirmed.

HFEA’s director of compliance, Rachel Cutting, urged patients with concerns to consult their respective clinics for personalized advice.

Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust admitted the defective solution could reduce the success rate of egg or embryo thawing and has apologized to those affected, offering counseling and a dedicated phoneline for support.