Korean J Androl.  2004 Aug;22(2):87-91.

Efficiency of Percoll Gradient, PureSperm Gradient, and Swim-up Separation Techniques in Normal Semen Samples

• Lee SH
• Song SJ
• Han SC
• Byun HK
• Seo JT
• Park YS

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to compare sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology using Percoll gradient, PureSperm gradient, and the swim-up method in normal semen samples.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten normal semen samples were divided into three fractions. Motile sperm were isolated with Percoll gradient, PureSperm gradient, and swim-up method. Sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology were determined before and after separation.
RESULTS
The sperm concentrations were not significantly different among the three METHODS: Percoll gradient(34.3+/-9.4x10(6)/ml), PureSperm gradient(37.6+/-16.6x10(6)/ml), and swim-up(27.3+/-6.4x106/ml). There was no significant difference in sperm motility among the three METHODS: Percoll gradient(93.5+/-1.6%), PureSperm gradient(92.7+/-4.4%), and swim-up(95.7+/-2.7%). When sperm motility was measured 24 hr later, the results were similar among the three METHODS: Percoll gradient(81.7+/-15.5%), PureSperm gradient(84.3+/-12.2%), and swim-up(89.4+/-5.1%). Sperm viability and morphology were slightly higher in swim-up method than the other methods, but the differences were not statistically significant. Sperm viability datas were: Percoll gradient(85.5+/-5.5%), PureSperm gradient(85.6+/-3.7%), and swim-up(88.6+/-6.6%). Morphology datas were: Percoll gradient(82.0+/-10.7%), PureSperm gradient(73.9+/-9.3%), and swim-up(83.7+/-8.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
The swim-up method resulted in viability and morphology that were slightly higher than the other methods. However, all methods were useful for sperm preparation in normal semen samples.

Keyword

Sperm; Concentration; Motility; Viability; Morphology

MeSH Terms

Semen*
Sperm Motility
Spermatozoa