The Unique Configuration of the Multi-ZSC® Technology

The Multi-ZSC® is a simple, self-contained system for the recovery of high quality progressively motile sperm from semen. Unlike other conventional sperm preparation methods, the Multi-ZSC® is a fast and simple one-step, standardized method.

The Multi-ZSC® is the only system of its kind that washes and simultaneously selects sub-populations of spermatozoa, thus eliminating the need for the tedious steps of sperm processing techniques, including dilution and centrifugation. This product is the future answer for the ART-Infertility Program that wishes to improve its fertilization and pregnancy outcome alleviating the male factor infertility and improving the proper selection of male gametes during IVF.

The unique configuration of the Multi-ZSC® column maximizes and combines the "swim-up/swim-down" phenomenon, yielding a greater number of high-quality, morphologically normal, physiologically superior motile spermatozoa. Because the semen specimen is safely protected within the one-of-a-kind conical cavity inside the Multi-ZSC column prior to the addition of media, the risks of "mixing" the media with the specimen are eliminated. Thus, the possible contamination of the media that contains the healthy spermatozoa is totally reduced.

Following the placement of the seminal specimen into the Multi-ZSC® conical cavity, media is placed around and over the lower cone. Subsequently more media is placed to fill the remaining cone-separated compartments. During the one hour incubation period (depending upon the procedure to be performed), the most motile and morphologically normal sperm "swim-up" and out of the cone, and subsequently "swim-down" into the media surrounding the cone. The most progressively motile and physiologically superior spermatozoa ascend further from the semen source and are entrapped in the top compartments of the Multi-ZSC®. This process not only separates the most motile sperm from the seminal plasma, but also washes the sperm, thus eliminating the need for timely centrifugation procedures later on.

The Principle Behind the Multi-ZSC® Technology

The principle behind the Multi-ZSC® technology is the unique geometric configuration of the column, which includes the various conical cavities inside the Multi-ZSC®. Furthermore, when the Multi-ZSC® is used in conjunction with the SpermPrep Medium (a HEPES buffered, HAMS F-10 formulation), maximal retrieval (up to 100%) of morphologically normal, highly motile sperm can be expected. Comparatively, in conventional swim-up methods, only a portion of media containing viable sperm is retrievable and could allow contamination of the inseminate, due to differences in the techniques. Also, the Multi-ZSC is the only technology of its kind that allows the physical separation of sub-populations of spermatozoa with different qualitative characteristics.

What about the Multi-ZSC® system?

The Multi-ZSC® is a standardized, swim-up column, which has been modified with the addition of a conical cavity placed at the bottom of the column and the various coned-compartments above it into which the sub-populations of spermatozoa are entrapped. The semen sample is placed within the bottom conical cavity, via a pipette. SpermPrep Media is then placed outside the bottom cone and the total volume above it is filled via a tuberculin syringe (with needle), and the specimen is allowed to incubate for one hour.

During this period, the sperm "rise" into the over layered media in each compartment and then "swim down" into the peripherally situated media in each compartment. The time frame for incubation is determined by the procedure for which the spermatozoa are being prepared (i.e. IUI, IVF, ICSI, etc.), as well as the quality of the specimen. The Multi-ZSC® should be maintained (via dri-bath or incubator) at 37°C. The Lab Top Incubator (dri-bath) can be purchased separately. The recovered specimen may be used for IUI or other modes of ART without any further centrifugation or in-vitro manipulation, by-passing completely tedious in-vitro steps, such as centrifugation and sperm washing required by other semen manipulative techniques.

The Multi-ZSC® is a complete package, that contains all the essential elements for the preparation of an ejaculate for use in various forms of ART. Instructions for use are placed on each Multi-ZSC® package. All components in the Multi-ZSC are sterile and aimed to keep the total procedure simple, error-free, reproducible and improve success.

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