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The
SpermPrep™ Filtration Columns
The
SpermPrep™ Disposable Semen Filter Columns are your quick and easy
solution for improved recovery of motile sperm for AI, IUI, GIFT,
ZIFT and IVF.
 SpermPrep™
I- Oligospermic and post thaw specimens:
SpermPrep™ I disposable semen filtration columns have been shown
to dramatically improve the recovery of motile sperm in processed
oligospermic and post-thaw specimens in comparison to the conventional
swim-up technique. Twenty specimens prepared by both the SpermPrep™
I and swim-up methods were assessed for motility, grade, morphology,
intact acrosomes,debris present, and concentration recovered.
The samples showed no significant differences in any of the qualitative
measurements; however, the number of sperm recovered by the SpermPrep™
I method was 58% of the original concentration vs 7% by swim-up.
A further comparison of total functional sperm fraction (total sperm
recovered [x106] x percent motility x percent normal
spermatozoa/[1.0x106]) showed a 341% improvement in yield
by SpermPrep™ I vs swim-up1. This improvement is
of particular significance in the preparation of oligospermic and
post-thaw samples2 for critically timed IVF and GIFT
procedures, as well as, in samples prepared for AI and IUI
in female patients who have undergone hormonal stimulation.
 SpermPrep™
II- Normospermic, asthenospermic and teratospermic samples:
SpermPrep™ II disposable semen filtration
columns combine the same filtration technology proven in the original
SpermPrep™ I columns with greater convenience and speed. SpermPrep™
II is designed for use with normospermic specimens and those which
have a normal count but which may be deficient in other qualitative
parameters3. This rapid method effectively removes
dead cells and other spermatozoa with DNA abnormalities4
potentially antigenic debris from the sample to provide the highest
quality specimen for todayís assisted reproductive techniques.
References:
- Zarmakoupis-Zavos,
Zavos; Middle East Fertil. Soc., 3:164, 1998.
- Zavos
and Centola; Infertility, 13:25, 1990.
- Zavos;
Fertil. Steril., 57:1326, 1992.
- Zavos;
J. ARTA, 3:15, 1992.
- Sofikitis,
Miyagawa and Zavos; Japan Fertil. Steril., 37:10, 1992.
SpermPrep™
Filtration Columns Offer:
- Improved
Yield: Extensive studies concluded
that SpermPrep™ I & II have consistently improved yields of
progressively motile and morphologically normal sperm and when
compared to alternative methods.
- Time
Savings: Sample processing with
both the SpermPrep™ I & II are typically completed within
25 minutes.
- Safe
& Convenient:
The SpermPrep™ Columns are Gamma Ray sterilized, individually
packaged and disposable.
- Simple:
The columns are easy to use and require minimum handling.
- Selective:
SpermPrep™ selects DNA-healthy fertile spermatozoa during filtration.
- Economical:
Priced to reduce the cost to your patients.
The
ZSC™-II System
"THE
SYSTEM YOU ALWAYS DESIRED FOR SPERM PREPARATION IN AN IUI PROGRAM"
- The
Unique Configuration of the ZSC™ Technology
The
ZSC™ II is a simple, self-contained system for the recovery of high
quality progressively motile sperm from semen. Unlike other
conventional sperm preparation methods, the ZSC™ technology
is fast, inexpensive and simple one-step standardized method.
The ZSC™-II washes and simultaneously selects the spermatozoa, thus
eliminating the need for the tedious steps of sperm processing techniques,
including dilution and centrifugation. This product is the answer
for the physician who wishes to establish a self-sufficient practice
and eliminate the need for outside laboratory assistance for semen
preparation.
The
unique configuration of the ZSC™-II column maximizes and combines
the "swim-up/ swim-down" phenomenon, yielding a greater number
of high-quality, morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa.
Because the semen specimen is safely protected within the
one-of-a-kind conical cavity inside the 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 ZSC™ conical cavity,
media is placed around and over the cone. During the incubation
period (15 minutes to one hour, 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. 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.
- The
Principle Behind the ZSC™ Technology
The
principle behind the ZSC™ technology is the unique geometric configuration
of the columns, which includes the conical cavity inside the ZSC™.
Furthermore, when the ZSC™-II 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.
Top
of Page
The
New Multi-ZSC™ System
- 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.
ZSC™-II and Multi-ZSC
- DONE
IN THE OFFICE
- MAXIMIZES
PROFITS
- NO
OUTSIDE LAB FEES
- ONE
STEP PROCESS
- NO
WASHING OR CENTRIFUGATION REQUIRED
- REDUCES
COSTS TO PATIENTS COMPARED TO OTHER METHODS
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