The laboratory plays a key role in an embryo’s development and therefore is a critical element of embryology key performance indicators (KPIs) (1). The primary goal of the IVF laboratory is to provide an optimal environment for successful embryo development, mimicking an optimal in vivo environment. When the laboratory environment, culture conditions and embryology handling are optimised, the collective environment yields embryology KPIs that translate into maximal fertilised embryos, high-quality blastocysts and ultimately healthy live births. Ongoing and rigorous quality control within the embryology laboratory ensures that each patient’s cohort of embryos have the appropriate environment to reach developmental milestones, with the goal of ensuring safety and quality of care. This chapter describes the laboratory’s role in embryo development and embryo selection, including the embryology KPI frameworks and quality control pathways utilised by the laboratory