Wrong sperm used at London hospital

LONDON, April 27 (UPI) -- A London hospital used the wrong sperm to fertilize eggs for at least three couples, producing embryos that had to be destroyed, officials said.

The mix-ups were discovered earlier this year at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, The Sunday Times reported. In 2007, the wrong embryo was implanted in a woman having infertility treatment at the same hospital.

The Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority reported in 2007 that Guy's and St. Thomas' was preparing sperm from different men in the same container, warning there was a high risk that eggs could be fertilized by the wrong father.

In the 2007 incident, the woman was implanted with one of her own embryos. After the fetus failed to develop, hospital personnel discovered that a weak embryo had been used instead of a strong one.

The Times said reports show mix-ups at other hospitals and clinics. In one incident, a woman, who later miscarried, was implanted with embryos created for a couple with the same last name.

In another incident, a surrogate was implanted with embryos belonging to a couple with a name similar to that of the couple who had hired her to carry their child.