Keeping and transferring records
The ART Act requires ART providers to keep accurate records about sperm, eggs, embryos and ART treatment. These records help ensure information remains available in the future for people conceived through ART, their families and donors.
How long records are kept
ART providers must keep required records for 99 years, including records received when sperm, eggs or embryos are transferred from another provider.
This applies to both current and former ART providers. Even if an ART provider stops operating, they must still make sure these records are securely kept and remain accessible.
What information is kept
Records include information about:
- the collection, storage and use of sperm, eggs and embryos
- who provided sperm or eggs
- consent records
- ART procedures performed
- children born through ART treatment
- providers who previously stored or handled the sperm, eggs or embryos.
Keeping complete records helps ensure sperm, eggs or embryos can be safely identified and used in treatment, and that information can be accessed in the future if required.
When sperm, eggs or embryos move between providers
When sperm, eggs or embryos are transferred to another ART provider, the relevant information and consent records must also be transferred. This ensures important information follows the material wherever it is stored or used.
Information transferred should include:
- all consent records
- identifying and medical information about donors
- treatment and outcome information
- storage and transport history
- relevant counselling or donor information.
If information is missing
Sometimes older records may be incomplete or unavailable. Transfer of sperm, eggs or embryos can still occur in these situations, but missing information may:
- limit whether these sperm, eggs or embryos can later be used in treatment
- make it harder to confidently confirm the identity of stored sperm, eggs or embryos.
Where information is missing, ART providers should explain this and discuss any possible impacts on future use with the patient or intended parent.