June is Men’s Health Month. Reproductively speaking, healthy sperm is one indicator for men’s health. But so much goes into sperm production; such as diet, exercise, sleep, etc. So, what does SSB do with the sample after ejaculation to measure and assess sperm quality?
We often get asked about our processes, since Seattle Sperm Bank has a reputation for the industry’s highest quality vials. Therefore, we decided to sit down with our Lab Supervisor, Ryan, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
This is probably our most frequently asked question!
ART vials, which stands for Assisted Reproductive Technology, have fewer motile sperm cells than standard vials. Our count guarantee is 5-9 million on these samples. For certain procedures performed in a clinic, it may actually be beneficial to have fewer sperm. The most common procedure these are used for is ICSI.
An entire ejaculate is made of many types of cells and fluids. Washing a sample is done to isolate the motile sperm from the seminal fluid and other cells. This way, we get a higher concentration of good quality sperm, and naturally occurring chemicals in the sperm are removed to prevent adverse reactions within the uterus in preparation for intrauterine inseminations.
The total motile sperm count (TOMO) is a calculation of the sample volume (think 1.0 ml) and the concentration of motile (moving!) sperm cells. At SSB, we only count sperm as being motile if they are swimming straight and at a reasonable pace, or progressive. If a sperm looks like it won’t successfully reach an egg, we’ll count it as non-motile (non-progressive).
Good question! We take a small portion of every sample into a separate vial to freeze in liquid nitrogen. The next day, we’ll thaw out these vials and do a “post-thaw” count which will tell us the quality of the vial that will one day be shipped to our clients.
Theoretically, a sample can stay viable indefinitely if it is stored correctly. Our vials are stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degree Celsius, which effectively causes the sperm to enter a state of suspended animation.
Working for a small company has allowed me to learn a lot and help out in other departments as needed. I can work in the lab, get to know the donors, answer questions from clients and clinics, and assist with shipping on any given day.
Got more questions about the types of vials that we offer and how SSB maintains a reputation for high-quality samples? Just ask us! cs@seattlespermbank.com or (206) 588.1484.
Ryan Bray is the Lab Supervisor for Seattle Sperm Bank and has been with SSB since 2016. Ryan oversees laboratory operations, quality control, and staff at SSB’s 3 locations in Seattle, Phoenix, and San Diego. Ryan graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Human Biology. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys international travel, distance running, and going to breweries with his two giant dogs.
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