• The SpermPrep^™ Media
• The SpermPrep^™ TYB Media
• The SpermPrep^™ Viscolytic System (VLS)

The SpermPrep^™ Media

  "Where Our Media are your Solutions"

SpermPrep^™  Media is a uniquely formulated diluent that provides excellent results during semen preparation (and is recommended for use with the SpermPrep^™ I and II Filtration Columns, or with the Zavos Swim-Up Column^™ ) for sperm reconstitution prior to IUI and all your other assisted reproductive techniques.  SpermPrep^™ Media provides the following properties:

1. It is isotonic with semen and prevents any osmotic shock to the spermatozoa during all in-vitro maniputaltion steps.
2. It provides optimal buffering capacity (HEPES buffered) and maintains the pH within physiological levels, which ensures excellent sperm survival.
3. It protects and insulates the sperm during all in-vitro manipulations as it contains 3% bovine serum albumin  (BSA).  The level of BSA is adequate to maximize and maintain all the beneficial effects of albumin in a semen diluent,  during all in-vitro sperm manipulations.
4. It is a sterile preparation, however, it does not contain any antibiotics. Recent reports showed that small amounts of penicillin present in transfer media used for assisted reproductive procedures may cause allergic reactions in penicillin-sensitive patients. (Fertility Sterility 58 (4): 847-849, 1992).
5. It preserves the life of the spermatozoa, which enables optimal fecundity.

SpermPrep^™ Media can be used not only for SpermPrep^™ filtration and with the Zavos Swim-Up Column^™, but also for all of your in-vitro sperm manipulation needs and for intra-uterine insemination purposes. For your convenience, SpermPrep^™ Media is available in either 100mL bottles or in dose-efficient packaging for convenient in-office use (10 x 12mL).  It is also very economically priced to reduce the cost to your patients.  The SpermPrep^™ Media is a multi-purpose, low-cost solution that both you and your patients can depend on.

The SpermPrep^™ TYB Media 
Sold to physicians and laboratories only

SpermPrep^™ TYB Media is an egg-yolk containing solution (20% egg yolk by volume) that can be used for semen incubation, reconstitution, trea™ent of antisperm antibody problems, cryopreservation (freezing with appropriate levels of glycerol) and also for short-term cryostorage (24-72 hours) via refrigeration at 2^°-5°C.  The SpermPrep^™ TYB Media can also be used for short-term incubation (1-2 hours) of spermatozoa and employed with the SpermPrep^™ I and II Filtration Columns to recover high quality spermatozoa for use in the various assisted reproductive techniques, including IUI.

It is isotonic with semen and prevents any  osmotic shock to the spermatozoa.

It provides optimal buffering capacity  (presence of egg yolk) and maintains the pH within physiological levels, which ensures superb sperm survival.

It insulates and protects the sperm during all in-vitro manipulations via the egg yolk's sperm coating abilities.

It is a sterile preparation and contains appropriate levels of antibiotics (Penicillin G  1, 000 units,mL and Streptomycin Sulfate 1,000 mcg.mL).

It preserves the life of the spermatozoa and in some instances where male infertility does exist, it enhances optimal fecundity.

SpermPrep^™ TYB Media should be considered for use in all progressive male infertility treatment programs. For your convenience, SpermPrep^™ TYB Media is available in 5mL glass vials and is sold in packages of 10 vials per box.

Please call us and ask for individual protocols available for each SpermPrep^™ TYB Media use.

The SpermPrep^™ Viscolytic System (VLS) 

Facts about semen liquefaction difficulties

Fresh ejaculated human semen is distinctly coagulated and the coagulum does not liquefy for at least 20 to 30 minutes.  Commonly, semen samples are rather viscous even after 30-45 minutes, but beyond this, if liquefaction is not complete and the semen remains viscous, the indications are that some abnormality of the normal semen producing mechanisms exists and more specifically lack of an enzymatic process catalyzed by a proteolytic enzyme present in the prostatic secretions.

With the development of the various forms of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and the need to extract the maximum numbers and quality of spermatozoa from the ejaculated semen has brought the semen viscosity into focus again.  Viscous specimens are extremely difficult to manipulate in-vitro and may not allow the proper separation and isolation either the appropriate numbers, quality of sperm or both, necessary to achieve the in-vitro results.  It is because of these reasons that the SpermPrep^™ Viscolytic System (VLS) is introduced in the market to enable the proper in-vitro manipulation of viscous semen.  The VLS can assist you prior to the performance of routine semen analysis and also the proper extraction of spermatozoa prior to their use in the various forms of ART including intra-uterine insemination.

Sample Methodology for Using SpermPrep^™ (VLS)

Semen is collected by masturbation or other method such as using a special condom at intercourse².

Sample should liquefy within 15-30 minutes of collection.  If not, then employ the SpermPrep^™ VLS¹

Add 2.0 ml of SpermPrep^™ medium to VLS.  Add the VLS to the semen, mix gently and allow the mixture to set for 30 minutes.

Wash the treated semen twice and process the sperm for IUI or other forms of ART.

If the reconstituted sample is to be filtered then follow protocol for use of SpermPrep^™ II³.

References:

1. Zavos, P.M., Correa, J.R., Zarmakoupis-Zavos, P.N.: Effect of treatment of seminal viscosity difficulties with -chymotrypsin on the recovery of spermatozoa for assisted reproductive technologies: comparisons between the SpermPrep™ filtration and Percoll gradient centrifugation methods. Middle East Fertility Society Journal,2 (3):223-29, 1997.
2. Honea, Houserman, Merryman, Free and Stringfellow: Effect of limited proteolysis with alpha-chymotrypsin on semen with an abnormal sperm penetration assay and possible application for IVF or intrauterine insemination.  J. Assist. Reprod. Genetics: 10(4): 255-260, 1993.
3. Zavos, PM: Characteristics of human ejaculates collected via masturbation and a new Silastic seminal fluid collection device.  Fertil Steril 43:491, 1985.
4. Zavos, PM: Preparation of human frozen-thawed seminal specimens using the SpermPrep^™ filtration method: improvements over the conventional swim-up method.  Fertility and Sterility; 57:1326-1330, 1992. 

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