Sperm Washing

The Sperm Washing Process

Sperm are separated from seminal fluids using a centrifuge. This is a standard procedure used for many infertility treatments.

Because HIV has been found in the seminal fluid and cells, but not sperm, separating the sperm is believed to lower the risk of infection.

Semen Analysis for Infertility & Additional Testing

In addition to HIV viral testing and sperm washing, each semen specimen undergoes a standard semen analysis to evaluate male fertility and/or detect problems in male organs.

Semen Analysis for Infertility

A standard semen analysis is also performed to evaluate fertility and/or the male organs, including:

  • Sperm Count
    Measures the total number of sperm. It is recorded in millions of sperm per milliliter of semen. A normal count is greater than (≥) 20 million per ml. Lower than normal is still viable in many fertility procedures.
  • Motility
    The percentage of sperm moving and how well they move. Normal semen will have at least 50% motile sperm.
  • Morphology
    The form and structure of a single sperm. Sperm are evaluated by both WHO (World Health Organization) 1994 criteria, and Kruger (Fertil Steril 49:112, 1988) strict criteria. Normal Kruger is ≥14, Normal WHO is ≥60.

Testicular Sperm Aspiration

If necessary, sperm may be recovered from the testis (testicular sperm aspiration (TESA)). This is accomplished by delicate surgical procedures developed for male-factor infertility. It is possible to test the aspirates for HIV.

Additional Testing

Leukocyte Immunostain

If a semen specimen has greater than two million/ml non-sperm cells, an immunostain will be performed. Immune cells (leukocytes) will be stained red-brown, thus distinguishing them from immature sperm. A high count may indicate a higher risk of HIV infected cells in the sample. The patient may need to see a urologist for treatment. 

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

CMV can infect mother and baby and has become a growing concern in risk for newborns. All semen specimens are currently tested for CMV. Learn more.

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, and Syphilis

Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease and, in response to requests, SPAR has instituted Hepatitis B testing using standards from the World Health Organization. The PCR-based assay can detect 200 copies of Hepatitis B DNA. This semen assay has not been approved by the FDA, and is for research purposes only.

Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, and Syphilis are concerns to many infertility clinics. For this reason, BRF scientists have developed a semen assay for Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, and Syphilis.

The Science