P-059 Effect of outcome of microfluidic sperm sorter and conventional swim-up technique on DNA integrity of the sperm

Study question

Does the approach of sperm preparation technique plays any role in sperm DNA Integrity

Summary answer

Outcome of the semen sample is directly proportional to the choice of preparation technique. Microfluidics improves sperm selection and results in better sperm DNA integrity

What is known already

Microfluidic systems are promising tools for fluid manipulation that can noninvasively separate motile sperm with higher hydrodynamics profile from the lower ones. It also enables to manipulate micro swimmers as compared to the traditional methods that to without centrifugation .As it is already known that Semen analysis and preparation is one of the most important aspects in andrology and microfluidics can improve sperm analysis and selection, therefore increasing the ART success rates

Study design, size, duration

Comparative study from July 2019 to Dec 2021 in IVF unit of IKDRC Hospital .A total number of 900 patients were enrolled in the study and were randomized by using computer generated list then divided into two groups, Group A contains 460 samples and Group B having 440 samples.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Group A (n = 460) sample was prepared by using Microfluidic sperm Sorting technique and Group B (n = 440) sample was prepared by conventional Swim up technique. Samples were analyzed according to WHO 2010 laboratory manual for examination and processing of human sperm, including all normozoospermic samples. Primary outcomes of the study was DNA Fragmentation index (DFI) and it was evaluated by using sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and secondary outcomes was Progressive motility .

Main results and the role of chance

DNA fragmentation index is significantly lower in group A where Microfluidic Sperm Sorting technique (MFSS )is used than in group B where conventional swim up technique is use (10.06% vs 34.2%, p<0.0001) significant values implies that DNA integrity is better in group A than in group B and progressive motility was also found to be significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (57.6%vs16.9%, p <0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

As sample size was smaller, larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results and all normal samples were used for the analysis and preparation , abnormal parameters were not involved .

Wider implications of the findings

According to our study the samples prepared by Microfluidic technique have higher DNA integrity than samples prepared by Swim up technique. Lower DNA Fragmentation index in microfluidics outcome indicates lower DNA damage. Choice of technique for the preparation of semen sample also plays a key role in better sperm selection.

Trial registration number

N/A