Competency information
Details
Perform and interpret swim-up techniques and density gradient separation of sperm samples of different quality, including:
- antisperm antibody-positive samples
- retrograde samples
- severe oligoasthenozoospermic samples
- frozen samples, including donor samples.
Considerations
- In-depth knowledge of the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for normal and abnormal semen parameters.
- In-depth knowledge of the importance of how suboptimal samples may affect fertilisation rates.
- Basic knowledge of the aetiology of male factor infertility.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the different methods that can be applied to prepare semen samples of differing qualities.
- Working knowledge of how cryoprotectants may affect the quality of sperm and how osmotic shock may occur during the process.
- Implications of incorrect use of cryoprotectants on sample quality and outcomes.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 | Outcome Follow correct witnessing procedures to comply with HFEA regulations. |
| # 2 | Outcome Handle gametes correctly to maintain viability. |
| # 4 | Outcome Perform the different methods of sperm preparation techniques. |
| # 5 | Outcome Identify patients who, based on clinical parameters, require either in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). |