DISCONTINUOUS PERCOLL GRADIENT PREPARATION FOR DONOR INSEMINATION - DETERMINANTS FOR SUCCESS

The use of cryopreserved donor spermatozoa for insemination has become necessary to decrease the risk from sexually transmitted infectious d iseases, Lower fecundity rates have been reported with this practice, Efforts have been applied to increase success, including identificatio n of those sperm characteristics which correlate with increased fecund ity. Data from in-vitro fertilization have revealed sperm morphology, motility and zona pellucida binding as important sperm parameters. Dis continuous Percoll gradient preparation yields a high concentration of motile spermatozoa. Using this preparation for thawed donor spermatoz oa, we have identified post-preparation motility and progression as fa ctors associated with increased fecundity, Consideration should be giv en to screening sperm donors with a freeze-thaw Percoll gradient prepa ration prior to acceptance into a donor bank.