Viability of human semen specimens cryostored and transported at 5 C using the Bio-Tranz shipping system

Objective: Transport of unprocessed human semen specimens from the production site to distant laboratories for andrological evaluation and clinical use requires the development of proper protocols and devices for the shipment and maintenance of sperm viability during transport. Factors such as maintenance of proper temperature and the specific diluent used are considered to affect the viability of semen specimens during transport. The Bio-Tranz shipper (ZDL, Inc., Lexington, KY, USA), which was designed to cool specimens (5 C) during transport, consists of a properly refrigerated Styrofoam box, TEST-yolk Buffer (TYB), a nonspermicidal condom-shaped semen collection kit (Hygene Kit; ZDL, Inc.) and test tubes (15.0 mL). The viability of semen specimens stored from the time of collection to the time at which the specimens were to be processed and used (24 hours post-collection) was evaluated using the Bio-Tranz shipping technology.Methods: Semen specimens (n = 30) were assessed for percentage and grade of motility (0-4), and for the sperm membrane functional integrity as measured by the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test at collection time and 24 hours after storage in the Bio-Tranz shipper. The specimens were produced at intercourse via the use of the Hygene collection kit, assessed for sperm characteristics, split into two aliquots and then transferred to 15.0 mL test tubes. Aliquot 1 was mixed 1:1 (v/v) with TYB media and aliquot 2 was used as raw (unprocessed). The specimens were then placed and secured in the Bio-Tranz shipper and assessed for sperm qualitative characteristics following 24 hours of storage.Results: The results of the sperm parameters assessed among the various seminal treatments are shown below:Sperm characteristics were significantly improved when preparing the specimens using TYB (0 h; P <.05). Significant differences in all sperm qualitative characteristics assessed were noticed between raw specimens and those prepared via TYB after 24 hours of storage (P <.05). Most interestingly, sperm characteristics between raw specimens (0 h) and specimens prepared using TYB and stored via the use of the Bio-Tranz shipper for 24 hours were not different (P <.05).Conclusion: The results obtained show that collection and shipment of semen specimens via the Bio-Tranz shipper system is possible. The Bio-Tranz shipper maintains adequate sperm viability after 24 hours of cryostorage. The use of the Bio-Tranz shipper is extremely convenient for patients that request semen processing services such as semen cryostorage, semen evaluation, semen preparation for IUI purposes, or other assisted reproductive technologies. The technique could be of significant clinical and economic importance to the patient and to the treating physician at locations across the United States.