Specimen Processing

A step-by-step guide of the freezing process

Once a donor completes a deposit, our laboratories take the next important steps in preparing the specimen for future use.

The sample is evaluated for count and motility.
A determination is made about whether to ICI or IUI process the specimen.
ICI vials: Cryopreservative is added, and the specimen is transferred into vials that are stored in liquid nitrogen.
IUI vials: The specimen is processed through density gradient media then washed once. Cryopreservative is added, and the specimen is transferred into vials that are stored in liquid nitrogen.
All specimens remain in quarantine for a minimum of six months and will only be released upon receipt of negative infectious disease results obtained at the end of that period.
Vials manufactured at branch locations are shipped to Los Angeles for quarantine and long-term storage.