Training activity information
Details
Perform sperm catching on samples of varying quality
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Sperm morphology and motility
- Sperm viability
- In-house standard operating procedures
- Considerations for immotile samples
- Dish set up
- Aseptic technique
- Sperm from SSR
- Use of media
- Troubleshooting
- Witnessing requirements
- Patient consent for training
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the key characteristics of sperm quality that are important for ICSI?
- What techniques are commonly used for sperm catching?
- What are the criteria for selecting suitable sperm for ICSI in your clinic’s SOPs?
- How do different sperm qualities (e.g., motility, morphology) influence the sperm catching process?
- Are there any specific tools or techniques required for handling samples of varying quality?
- How will you improve your ability to identify and select morphologically normal and motile sperm?
- What challenges do you expect to encounter when working with samples of low quality?
- How will this experience enhance your practical skills in micromanipulation?
- Have you reviewed the relevant SOPs for sperm preparation and catching?
- Have you observed experienced embryologists performing sperm catching on different quality samples?
- What specific techniques will you focus on practicing?
In action
- Pay attention to the techniques you are using to locate and immobilise sperm in samples of different qualities. How are you adjusting your approach based on the sperm concentration, motility, and morphology you observe?
- What decisions are you making regarding which sperm to catch and how to handle the micropipette?
- How effective are your chosen techniques in isolating viable sperm from each sample type? Are you encountering difficulties with particular types of samples?
- What challenges are you facing, such as low sperm numbers, poor motility, or debris in the sample?
- What can you learn about assessing sperm quality and refining your catching technique as you work with these different samples?
- How does this activity build upon your understanding of semen analysis and sperm morphology?
- Are there alternative sperm catching techniques you could consider if your initial approach is not effective for a particular sample?
- What support or guidance might you need if you are struggling to find or catch suitable sperm?
- Are you ensuring you are handling the samples and equipment appropriately to maintain their integrity?
On action
- Summarise the different sperm samples you worked with and the techniques you used to catch sperm for each. What were the key differences you observed in the samples? What aspects of the sperm catching process were most notable, such as the challenges presented by low-quality samples or the effectiveness of specific techniques?
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve in terms of identifying and isolating viable sperm from samples of varying quality? Did you refine your micromanipulation skills? Were there any unexpected challenges or successes in catching sperm from particular samples? What did you learn from these outcomes? How did your reflection-in-action influence the techniques you employed for different sample types? Did you adapt your approach based on initial observations? How does this experience relate to the selection of suitable sperm for ICSI and its potential impact on treatment outcomes?
- What areas for continued development have been identified, such as improving your speed or accuracy in sperm selection? How can you apply this learning to future sperm catching procedures? Will you modify your approach based on the quality of the sample? What ‘next steps’ will you take to consolidate your learning, such as reviewing best practice guidelines for sperm preparation? What support or resources might be helpful for further development in this area?
Beyond action
- Compare your approach with subsequent experiences of sperm selection – what observable improvements or changes have you made to your practice? Review reflections from other training activities, such as performing ICSI, and consider how your sperm catching skills influenced those outcomes. Discuss different strategies for sperm selection with colleagues – has this changed your perspective on the optimal approach for various sample types?
- How has your confidence and efficiency in identifying and selecting viable sperm improved since this activity? How has this experience influenced your understanding of the challenges associated with different semen parameters and their impact on treatment success in your wider practice?
- Identify the transferable skills developed, such as fine motor skills and critical assessment of biological samples. Outline specific steps you will take to continue refining your sperm selection techniques and knowledge of semen analysis.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Perform micromanipulation techniques. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Practice safely in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements of micromanipulation and cryopreservation. |