Evaluation of quality of spermatozoa prepared by SpermPrep method as compared to those prepared by MiniPercoll.

As it is quick and easy to prepare sperm with SpermPrep column, this method was assessed in the andrology laboratory for IUI preparations, as an alternative to Percoll, since Percoll is not available in market. This paper evaluates sperm prepared by SpermPrep method and compares them to those prepared by MiniPercoll for matched asthenozoospermic specimens. Spermatozoa prepared with MiniPercoll were of significantly higher quality, when compared with those prepared by SpermPrep, in terms of computer-assisted sperm motion parameters, recovery of motile fraction, morphology, hypoosmotic swelling and nuclear stability as assessed by sodium dodecyl sulphate exposure. SpermPrep did not appear to be equivalent to MiniPercoll and therefore could not be widely applied to asthenozoospermic specimens. It may be used on an individual basis, depending on the initial semen sample. Although other density gradient methods such as colloidal silica particles coated with silane appear to be equivalent to Percoll, they need to be critically evaluated with respect to their batches or different sources of vendors and be compared to Percoll as a standard method.