A novel tube for sperm density gradient centrifugation procedure

Abstract

Objective: Density gradient centrifugation (DGC), swim up (SU), or a combination of DGC and SU is used to prepare sperm for infertility treatments using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of a new device for detecting sperm DGC. Methods: Sperm samples were collected from 119 males who required semen analysis at three different in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers (71 samples from Center A, 28 samples from Center B, and 20 samples from Center C). Semen samples were divided into two groups for DGC: (1) a normal centrifugation tube and (2) a specially designed RC-Tube. The sperm concentration, motility, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were assessed using DGC. Sperm concentration and motility were assessed using a MAKLER counting chamber. Sperm DFI was measured and analyzed using flow cytometry using a DFI Kit. Results: There were no significant differences in sperm concentrations recovered following DGC between the two groups (31.1% ± 1.7% vs. 28.8% ± 1.3%). Sperm motility was not significantly different following the DGC procedure in both groups (77.6% ± 1.6%. vs. 75.8% ± 1.6%). The percentage of sperm DFI was also not significantly different following DGC between the two groups (10.4% ± 1.0% vs. 10.5% ± 1.0%). Conclusions: The newly designed RC-Tube is efficient for sperm DGC and can be used to simplify sperm preparation for infertility treatment.