Vial 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 or not to wash the specimen, depending on the type of vial being created.
- Process for unwashed, ICI vials: Cryopreservative is added, and the specimen is transferred into vials that are stored in liquid nitrogen.
- Process for washed vials: The specimen is washed through density gradient media then washed one additional time. Cryopreservative is added, and the specimen is transferred into vials that are stored in liquid nitrogen. This process applies to IUI, IVF and ICSI vials. Relative to an IUI vial, IVF vials contain the same volume of sample but lower total motile sperm concentration. ICSI vials contain a smaller volume of sample than IUI and IVF vials, and therefore a proportionally smaller number of motile sperm.
- 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.
IVF and ICSI Vials
We offer two types of vials to accommodate those who are doing IVF or ICSI and are looking for a lower-priced vial option. They contain a smaller quantity of the same high-quality sperm found in our IUI or ICI Vials. All of our vial types can be used for any procedure, but it is important to purchase the correct number of vials to ensure you have adequate sperm needed on the day of your procedure. Our IUI and ICI Vials contain more sperm than is necessary for IVF or ICSI, but they are suitable to use:
- For IVF Procedure: Use two ICSI vials; OR one IVF, IUI, or ICI vial.
- For ICSI Procedure: Use one of any vial type.