BIOSPERM - SPERM BANK

Types of samples.

BIOSPERM provides frozen semen samples in two different formats:

Standard format (unprocessed). Before being used, these samples must be processed by the users who request them, utilizing whatever techniques they consider appropriate (density gradient, swim up, single centrifugation step, etc.).

IUI-ready format (processed).These samples do not need to be processed when they are intended for donor-IUI cycles. Therefore, they can be inseminated directly after thawing. In the case of IVF, they must undergo at least one centrifugation cycle and then be resuspended in the appropriate insemination medium (G-Fert, Insemination Medium, etc.).

BIOSPERM recommends to centres that request frozen semen samples from our center to set up a sample reserve stock to safeguard against adverse contingencies such as delays in the delivery of samples by the courier company, transport strikes, weather problems, etc.

We recommend keeping a stock of at least three sample doses from blood groups A+, A- and O+ of donors with a common phenotype (brown hair, brown eyes, 175 cm height).

Quality Control

All samples undergo internal and external quality control after thawing. This involves assessing sperm concentration and motility grades a+b at both the Biosperm laboratory and an external laboratory.

For the purposes of external quality control samples are weekly selected at random and sent to another laboratory, where concentration and motility grades a+b are tested.

BIOSPERM considersit VERY IMPORTANT that the steps specified in the thawing protocol, as shown on the data sheet sent with the samples, strictly be followed. They are essential in obtaining the best possible motility recovery after thawing.

Standard Semen Sample Thawing Protocol

Open the cryogenic tank.
Remove the canister which contains the vial to be thawed. Double-check that it is the right one before removing it.
Immediately return the canister to the cryogenic tank.
Gently loosen the vial stopper to release the pressure.
Place the vial immediately in a 37°C water bath for 5 minutes.
Process samples using the desired protocol (centrifugation, gradient, swim-up).
Load the sample into the catheter.

IUI-ready Sample Thawing Protocol

Open the cryogenic tank some five minutes before carrying out the insemination.
Remove the canister which contains the vial to be thawed. Double-check that it is the right one before removing it.
Immediately return the canister to the cryogenic tank.
Gently loosen the vial stopper to release the pressure.
Place the vial immediately in a 37°C water bath for 5 minutes.
Leave the vial at room temperature until ready to carry out the insemination.
Load the sample into the catheter.