The Unique Configuration of the Multi-ZSC® Technology
The
Multi-ZSC® is a simple, self-contained system for the recovery
of high quality progressively motile sperm from semen. Unlike other
conventional sperm preparation methods, the Multi-ZSC® is a fast
and simple one-step, standardized method.
The Multi-ZSC® is
the only system of its kind that washes and simultaneously selects
sub-populations of spermatozoa, thus eliminating the need for the tedious
steps of sperm processing techniques, including dilution and centrifugation. This
product is the future answer for the ART-Infertility Program that wishes
to improve its fertilization and pregnancy outcome alleviating the
male factor infertility and improving the proper selection of male
gametes during IVF.
The unique configuration of the Multi-ZSC® column maximizes
and combines the "swim-up/swim-down" phenomenon, yielding
a greater number of high-quality, morphologically normal, physiologically
superior motile spermatozoa. Because the semen specimen is safely
protected within the one-of-a-kind conical cavity inside the
Multi-ZSC column prior to the addition of media, the risks of "mixing" the
media with the specimen are eliminated. Thus, the possible contamination
of the media that contains the healthy spermatozoa is totally reduced.
Following
the placement of the seminal specimen into the Multi-ZSC® conical
cavity, media is placed around and over the lower cone. Subsequently
more media is placed to fill the remaining cone-separated compartments. During
the one hour incubation period (depending upon the procedure to be
performed), the most motile and morphologically normal sperm
"swim-up" and out of the cone, and subsequently "swim-down" into
the media surrounding the cone. The most progressively motile
and physiologically superior spermatozoa ascend further from the semen
source and are entrapped in the top compartments of the Multi-ZSC®.
This process not only separates the most motile sperm from the seminal
plasma, but also washes the sperm, thus eliminating the need for timely
centrifugation procedures later on.
The Principle Behind the Multi-ZSC® Technology
The principle behind the Multi-ZSC® technology is the unique
geometric configuration of the column, which includes the various conical
cavities inside the Multi-ZSC®. Furthermore, when the Multi-ZSC® is
used in conjunction with the SpermPrep Medium (a HEPES buffered, HAMS
F-10 formulation), maximal retrieval (up to 100%) of morphologically
normal, highly motile sperm can be expected. Comparatively, in conventional
swim-up methods, only a portion of media containing viable sperm is
retrievable and could allow contamination of the inseminate,
due to differences in the techniques. Also, the Multi-ZSC is the only
technology of its kind that allows the physical separation of sub-populations
of spermatozoa with different qualitative characteristics.
What about the Multi-ZSC® system?
The Multi-ZSC® is a standardized, swim-up column, which has
been modified with the addition of a conical cavity placed at the bottom
of the column and the various coned-compartments above it into which
the sub-populations of spermatozoa are entrapped. The semen sample
is placed within the bottom conical cavity, via a pipette. SpermPrep
Media is then placed outside the bottom cone and the total volume above
it is filled via a tuberculin syringe (with needle), and the
specimen is allowed to incubate for one hour.
During this period, the sperm "rise" into the over layered
media in each compartment and then "swim down" into
the peripherally situated media in each compartment. The time
frame for incubation is determined by the procedure for which the spermatozoa
are being prepared (i.e. IUI, IVF, ICSI, etc.), as well as the quality
of the specimen. The Multi-ZSC® should be maintained (via dri-bath
or incubator) at 37°C. The Lab Top Incubator (dri-bath) can be
purchased separately. The recovered specimen may be used for
IUI or other modes of ART without any further centrifugation or in-vitro
manipulation, by-passing completely tedious in-vitro steps, such as
centrifugation and sperm washing required by other semen manipulative
techniques.
The Multi-ZSC® is a complete package, that contains all the
essential elements for the preparation of an ejaculate for use in various
forms of ART. Instructions for use are placed on each Multi-ZSC® package. All
components in the Multi-ZSC are sterile and aimed to keep the total
procedure simple, error-free, reproducible and improve success.
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