Authors

Ashleigh McEvoy, B.Sc., Peter Roberts, Ph.D., Kailin Yap, B.Sc.Hons., Phillip Matson, Ph.D.

Volume 102, Issue 4, Pages 981-988

Abstract

Objective:

To develop a simple, convenient, and stable storage method for semen before DNA fragmentation testing.

Design:

Experimental cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Fertility clinic.

Patient(s):

164 male partners of infertile couples.

Intervention(s):

Comparison of sperm DNA fragmentation levels (DFLs) using fresh, snap-frozen and air-dried semen, with air-dried samples stored at different temperatures and time periods to assess DNA stability.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

DFL determined by Halosperm G2 kit.

Result(s):

Results are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. The DFLs from fresh and air-dried semen gave comparable results (1.08% ± 0.65%), and from snap-frozen and fresh samples a statistically significant difference (5.5% ± 1.09%). Air-dried semen stored at room temperature for 7 days had a statistically significantly higher DFL compared with semen stored overnight (46.29% ± 9.12%). Samples stored at 4°C for 7 days or 1 day showed no statistically significant difference (0.83% ± 0.82%). DFLs from samples stored for either 1 or 30 days at 4°C showed a statistically significant difference (19.59% ± 5.72%); those stored at −22°C showed no statistically significant difference (0.68% ± 0.53%).

Conclusion(s):

Air-drying semen is a simple and stable storage method for up to 1 month at −22°C before DNA fragmentation testing.

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)01364-8/fulltext