Evaluation of a One-Step Sperm Isolation Device: Clinical Outcomes Compared to Traditional Techniques

Purpose: For almost 50 years, the improvement of the laboratory side of ART has mainly focused on female gametes and their resulting embryos. However, recent evidence suggests that the processing steps of the male gametes can significantly impact the success of an IVF cycle. A new system was developed that combines sample collection and a simple, one-step method for motile sperm selection: the ProteXtm (PX) with NovoSorttm (NS; Reproductive Solutions, Dallas, TX). Preliminary lab-based trials demonstrated the system could yield a significant number of motile cells with minimal effort. The objective of the current study was to determine how sperm harvested from the system performed in a clinical environment. Method: The PX/NS system was incorporated into clinical practice for IVF sperm processing for a period of one month, and outcomes were compared to those of the previous month using standard techniques. Results: The use of the PX/NS system did not adversely affect the rate of fertilization, blastocyst formation, or the % of usable blastocysts produced from the ART procedures. In addition, initial pregnancy rates were also equivalent. Discussion: The PX/NS is a simple-to-use one-step system for the selection of sperm for ART. It does not require centrifugation or gradient use and is easy to implement in a clinical setting with minimal training. The process requires no expensive lab equipment and minimal technician time for completion. Data suggest that this simple technique produces sufficient high-quality sperm to achieve clinical outcomes comparable to traditional preparatory techniques without labor costs and preparatory time in processing.