ABOUT MARTAG

The Medically Assisted Reproduction Technical Advisory Group (MARTAG ) provides guidance on the terminology, coding, and labeling for products resulting from medically assisted reproduction (MAR).

The Group consists of technical experts in MAR and representatives appointed by organizations with an interest in medically assisted reproduction. Additionally, the group includes liaisons from regulatory authorities and other groups interested in ISBT 128.

MARTAG was first established in 2016 under the name Assisted Reproductive Technology Technical Advisory Group (ARTTAG).

On March 12, 2025, ARTTAG was renamed the Medically Assisted Reproduction Technical Advisory Group (MARTAG) to reflect a broader scope. The new name encompasses all assisted reproductive technology procedures, as well as assisted insemination, consistent with the definition in The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care (Zegers-Hochschild et al., 2017). This change highlights MARTAG’s commitment to supporting a comprehensive range of medically assisted reproduction techniques.

Given the growing international exchange of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) products, such as gametes (sperm and eggs), and the pressing need for
effective identification, traceability, and biovigilance of reproductive tissue and cell products to support the safety of both donors and recipients, MARTAG is focused on raising awareness about the importance of global collaboration in establishing standardized terminology, coding, and labeling practices.

To this end, the group is currently developing the Joint Statement on Terminology, Coding, and Labeling of Reproductive Tissue and Cell Products and seeking endorsement from professional societies, accreditation bodies, regulators, and health authorities. These efforts aim to strengthen global standardization, enhance international traceability, and improve biovigilance.

MARTAG MEMBER LIST

Chair

Kelly Tilleman

ICCBBA Staff Liaison

Mónica Freire

Representatives

  • Agnieszka Nowak – European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
  • Amy Sparks – American Society for Reproductive Medicine

Technical Experts

  • April Batcheller
  • Nina Gelo

Liaisons

  • Aleksandra Saniewska-Kilim –Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health, Poland

Join Our Mission!

Technical Advisory Group (TAG) members are experts in their fields and work toward globally consistent terminology, labeling, and use of ISBT 128 to improve patient safety.
If you are interested in contributing to the discussion, please reach out today!