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Coronavirus Discovered in Semen of Patients

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A few days ago we knew a news item about Covid-19. It alerted us to the extent of the pandemic we are currently experiencing: remains of coronavirus are discovered in the semen of infected patients. It has not been related to its spread, but that alerts those of us who work in the field of human reproduction. Hence, at Proiser we have chosen to dedicate a post on our blog to this topic.

Although the information has been published in an American magazine, in Spain we have heard about them thanks to the ABC newspaper, which has published part of its results.

Coronavirus Discovered in Semen of Patients

According to a study published in the prestigious scientific journal “JAMA Network Open”, the coronavirus could persist in men’s semen. Even after they have begun to recover from this infection.

This finding increases the possibility that the virus is transmitted sexually. But it has not been proven with total certainty. And it seems that, according to different investigations, once SARS-CoV-2 enters the human body, it reaches many beyond the lungs . Hence it has been found in the kidneys, heart, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. To which now we must add the semen, so it also reaches the reproductive system.

These findings do not mean that the virus can be transmitted sexually through contact with semen. But they do mean that this possibility should be considered as a new form of transmission.

 

Studies on coronavirus in semen

The studies that serve as the basis for this research have been conducted in China. The one of this work that has been disseminated is, in particular, the one that has been developed in the Municipal Hospital of Shangqiu. The place where they evaluated 38 male patients treated between January and February of last year 2020, at the peak of the incidence in that country. This work team detected SARS-CoV-2 in the semen of six of the male participants.

Of these, four patients were experiencing COVID-19 symptoms at the time, and two had recently recovered. What warned about the incidence of the virus and its ability to search for new ways of spreading.

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Ability to transmit infections?

The detection of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in the semen of men infected with the virus does not prove that these particles of it are capable of transmitting infections. As stated in the aforementioned article in the “Jama Network Open magazine”: «We discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can be present in the semen of patients with COVID-19, and that it can be detected in the semen of patients in recovery”.

Next, it adds: “Even if the virus cannot replicate in the male reproductive system, it can persist, possibly as a result of the privileged immunity of the testes.”

This work contradicts other similar studies. This is the case of the one that appeared in “Fertility and Sterility” before. It was made after studying 34 men in the town of Wuhan. They did not detect the virus in patients a month after their diagnosis of Covid-19.

In any case, from Proiser we will continue to be attentive to the development of these investigations. Adapting our work protocols at all times to the findings that occur in this regard. News that we will share with all of our users.

The eggs are able to choose the sperm they attract

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The eggs are able to choose the sperm they attract. This is, at least, what emerges from a study carried out by the universities of Stockholm and Manchester. A work published by the scientific journal The Royal Society, in its section dedicated to ongoing research. This magazine is very relevant. And it is one of the most prestigious publications in the world as far as knowledge of the human body is concerned.

At Proiser we know that the field of human reproduction has many unanswered questions. Findings that could clarify and facilitate assisted reproduction processes. Hence, we are attentive to each of the advances that occur in this regard. And that we value positively that publications such as the newspaper 20 Minutos echo these advances.

So that our followers can know them, we share a good part of that news.

 

The eggs are able to choose the sperm they attract

Human eggs are able to choose the sperm with which they want to combine. And they do it regardless of the relationship that people have with each other. It is not affective at all.

This is, at least, the conclusion reached by researchers from the Universities of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (United Kingdom) and Stockholm (Sweden) who work in this field together.

This selection, according to the investigations, is carried out according to quality criteria or by DNA. But this sperm isn’t necessarily from the partner.

A fact that qualifies what was known up to now and revolutionizes the procedures that have been developing in the assistance to conception. And it is that although we knew that eggs use chemical signals to attract sperm. Now we must add that these signals also serve to choose sperm. This behaviour varies according to the woman. And it is that, some eggs attract different types of sperm than others.

And all is done according to the quality or genetic compatibility that both cells share. In other words, the interactions between human eggs and sperm depend on the identity of the man and woman involved.

 

Advances to better understand reproduction

All these investigations shed light on some of the great questions of assisted reproduction processes. Especially, when they are failed and there is no proven physical explanation to support it. Thus, we can say that research on how eggs interact with sperm will bring advances in fertility treatments. This will allow us to continue developing systems that make them more and more efficient.

Excellent news for professionals in the sector like those of us who are behind Proiser, as we develop proposals, products and instruments to ensure that these processes are developed successfully.

And it is that although we thought that empathy should be between people, the reality is very different. And it is that at least what this study shows is that this choice continues after the sexual relations of the same. Since the choice of the ovum to attract according to the type of sperm is totally independent of who the woman’s partner is.

In any case, while these theories have just been developed, remember that in Proiser you will be able to find everything your laboratory needs for assisted reproduction processes. You just have to visit our website and get in touch with us. Your laboratory will be equipped with the best on the market and will achieve the best results.

100 million years old has the oldest known sperm

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100 million years old has the oldest known sperm so far. It is a remains of sperm found in a female of a small crustacean from the Cretaceous era. A small being that was enclosed in a drop of amber. A form of conservation that has allowed it to reach our days. Thus facilitating the investigation of animal reproduction in extinct species.

This is, at least, what has been published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of Royal Society B. An article that we knew in Spain thanks to the dissemination work carried out by the 20 minutes newspaper in this area.

At Proiser we consider that it is important for the general population to know how many advances are made in the field of reproduction. Even when these findings are not directly related to the generation of new human beings. Therefore, we bring here today a summary of these new contributions that have been developed in the study of animal sperm.

 

100 million year old sperm

The crustacean specimen in which the 100-million-year-old sperm sample has been found belongs to a hitherto unknown species. A species baptized with the name of Myanmarcypris hui. And that, apparently, belongs to the class of ostracods.

The location of this rest of sperm was fortuitous. And, among the remains of the crustacean fossilized in amber, the researchers located a female. Later, they discovered that inside her reproductive tract there were giant sperm cells. Which, by dating it, made the sample the oldest fossil in which sperm cells have been conclusively identified.

 

Ostracods and 100-million-year-old sperm

As explained by the spokesmen of the German Ludwig-Maximilians University, one of the signatories of the study, ostracods existed for 500 million years.

Your study in very important. For it has allowed thousands of modern species to be described. And it is that finding fossilized shells of these crustaceans is not something rare in areas like Myanmar, where these investigations have been carried out.

However, the main novelty on this occasion is that the remains found preserved their reproductive organs. And with them the sperm they contained. Which was an important find. And is that with it

100 year old sperm and new technologies

For its study, it was necessary to have the latest technology. In order to access this information, it was necessary to reconstruct computer-assisted images with 3D X-rays. In this way, it was possible to know how much amber contained inside. These images revealed details of the anatomy of these animals that were previously unknown. For example, the shape of their tiny limbs or what their reproductive organs were like.

Luck was also on the part of the researchers. And is that one of the specimens was female. And this one conserved inside sperm of a reproductive act previous to be fossilized. Hence, it can be said that 100 million years has the oldest known sperm. For this reason, this sample has become the oldest of all those that are preserved to date.

At Proiser we know how important it is to know all possible details about the fertilization of species that have already become extinct. Well, they allow us to recover them when deemed appropriate.

Human sperm is not anything like it was previously believed

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Human sperm is not anything like it was previously believed. This is, at least, what emerges from a study published by the prestigious journal Science Advances, specialized in making known the latest findings of the scientific community.

A work that in Spain we knew  few days ago thanks to an article published in the newspaper 20 minutes. A media which has remained attentive to these updates from the scientific field.

News that we want to share with our users because of how relevant they are to understanding our own nature.

The study referred to in the article was carried out by three researchers. On the one hand, Hermes Gadelha, staff of the University of Bristol; and, on the other, the tandem made up of Gabriel Corkidi and Alberto Darszon, both researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

The main conclusion these three researchers have reached after years of work is that human sperm do not swim by wagging their tails. Not as had been thought up to now. A statement issued three hundred years ago by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. A scientist who used one of the first microscopes to describe the composition of human sperm. And that he had assimilated the movement of this substance like that of an eel.

Recuento de esperma

Sperm count

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New findings in the movement

Apparently, this movement that had since been assigned to the sperm is only an optical illusion and does not obey reality. Dismantling this claim has been possible thanks to mathematics and the use of state-of-the-art 3D microscopes. Tools that have made it possible to verify, in a direct and real way. Then, they saw that sperm only move their tail on one side but that they do so in a completely different and much more complex way.

And it is that the use of a high-speed camera (capable of recording more than 55,000 frames per second) and a microscope stage equipped with a device to move the sample from top to bottom at a very high speed revealed a reality completely different from what was believed.

This is specified in that if a sperm wants to swim straight what it must do is turn its head and not move the back of it. This movement in two directions occurs simultaneously and is much more complicated than it seems. Thus, the head of the sperm rotates at the same time as the tail does in the direction of swimming.

Hallazgos sobre movimientos de espermatozoides

3D microscopes have been used in sperm research.

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Human sperm and fertility

Thanks to these types of findings, we can learn more about the real behavior of sperm. And apply the knowledge gained to fertility treatments performed around the world. And it is that the behavior of the tail, according to the researchers of this study, could give a clue as to which are healthy and which are not.

Hence, as the aforementioned group of researchers conclude, this finding is only the tip of the iceberg. And there are many issues that still remain to be resolved. Especially, those that are related to the combination between the sperm and the female reproductive tract. Therefore, in the coming years, we may have new news that advantages the development of assisted reproduction.

At Proiser we have been using technology in our reproductive treatments for years. Hence, we have a high success rate in our studies. And it is that we put the most advanced technology at the service of our clients.

sperm count

Decreases sperm count in western men

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As published in recent weeks, sperm count in western men have declined over the past four decades. This entails numerous reproductive problems in couples, which find it an impediment to creating their own families.

In Proiser we had already observed that the amount of sperm had been significantly reduced in recent decades. And we urge our users to change habits to improve the quality and quantity of sperm they generate in their reproductive system. If you want to know more about it, don’t hesitate and read this article. A text we have written inspired by the publication of these in the 20 minute newspaper, which in turn echoes the report of the Human Reproduction Update, directed by Dr. Hagai Levine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A document that has managed to get a spot on the BBC’s news agenda and has reached the world.

 

Sperm count in western men

Sperm counts have declined alarmingly among men in Western countries over the past forty years. Lack of physical activity, obesity, poor postural habits, stress, or smoking are some of the factors that have influenced the progressive decline in sperm count among first world male inhabitants.

The research to which the report just made public refers is one of the largest that has been carried out so far. It brings together the results of a total of 185 studies carried out between 1973 and 2011, worldwide.

Sperm count. Proiser

The results obtained highlight that while South America, Asia and Africa do not see significant changes in sperm production, it does exist in the rest of the continents. Dr. Levine found a 52,4% decrease in sperm concentration and a 59,3% decrease in total sperm among samples taken from men in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This means that the survival of the human species in certain parts of the world is clearly at risk. And we need to put in place mechanisms that will stop this trend if we do not want to extinguish. This trend, far from being slowed, seems to increase year after year.

These falls in sperm production are directly related, as the research shows, to the population’s exposure to chemicals, to the use of plastics, to the fast and sedentary life rate we carry in western societies, but above all it is directly related to obesity, smoking, and even the amount of hours we spend in front of screens like television. The excess temperature in the genital area directly affects the quality of the samples and the rate of activity that sperm have in these cases.

This work, however, is not welcomed by the entire scientific community. And there are researchers who say that the unchanged group may not be such, as the reality highlights that there are fewer studies in South America, Asia, and Africa, so comparisons cannot be developed with the same absolute terms.

sperm count

At Proiser, as specialists in everything that is related to human reproduction, we are aware that beyond the figures the reality is clear: The quality of the sperm is getting worse and worse, which makes reproduction difficult even when assisted. Therefore, to those who wish to be parents, we always tell them that they must begin to take care of themselves because any gesture, any activity they perform directly affects this natural capacity of their organism.

Proiser R+D Systems. Análisis de esperma

Proiser, a global sperm analysis solutions company

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Proiser R+D is the name of one of the leading companies in the sector of tailor-made solutions for the analysis of sperm samples in Spain. It is an entity founded in 2004 by two doctors: Carles Soler (Professor at the University of Valencia) and Francisco Blasco (Computer Engineer), who until that time had been working together to develop proposals for other companies. And that at the time they considered it appropriate to launch their own project with which to be able to materialize high quality personal proposals.

If you don’t already know them, we have written this article with which we want to approach it and the products they develop.

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Proiser R+D: Who they are and what they do

Proiser R+D is a company whose activity is focused on the research and development of automated systems for the diagnosis and automatic analysis of semen samples.

Its main product line is the ISAS (Integrated Semen Analysis System) family, consisting of CASA (Compuert Assisted Semen Analysis) systems, reusable and disposable cell counting chambers, as well as all the tools needed for routine andrology laboratory analysis.

For those who don’t know, ISAS software is the most advanced and cutting-edge solution for automatic semen analysis in this field. In fact, it is a system that is capable of analyzing more than 2.000 cells per field, and more than 80.000 sperm per analysis. It is also able to evaluate the following parameters: Sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology and other similar characteristics of semen samples at the same time.

It is a versatile and versatile system. Therefore, do not matter the nature of the sample on which you work. It does the same if the person needs to obtain the balanced and customized dose calculation for animal production, or if, on the contrary, he or she is looking for a complete seminal clinical analysis. And it’s because, both cases, the ISAS system provides it.

Proiser R+D. sperm analysis

Software ISAS

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Proiser: sperm analysis products

The main products offered by the company Proiser are the following:

  • ISAS v1, which has been developed as a system that brings together all the tools necessary to be used in both the clinical and research setting. Its fields of application are: Human and veterinary clinical, scientific research, livestock production as well as pharmaceutical and, of course, reproductive toxicology.
  • ISASLab, which allows seminal reviews in the ordinary circumstances of a laboratory for the development of its analyzes, both for the determination of seminal quality, and for the monitoring of samples during processing in assisted reproduction techniques.
  • ISASPSUs, which allows sperm to be recognized by the detection of the tail. For this purpose, a system is proposed in which sperm is digitally “washed” by the development of a morphological analysis. This allows mobility, concentration and morphology, which are analyzed at the same time.
  • SPERMTRACK, which following the semen drop displacement procedure, eliminates most of the disadvantages of the less efficient products found in this market area. A uniquely designed product that enables and enhances use in the microscope, as well as cleaning, handling and storing samples at all times and in the laboratory.

So if you’re looking for quality in the analysis of your semen samples, it’s best to choose Proiser products. And it’s only here you’ll be able to find the lab tools that can offer you the solution to exactly what you need. Always with high quality and completely guaranteed.

SpermTrack Proiser

SpermTrack

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Spermtrack  counting chamber is the name given to the new counting camera that the ISAS brand has launched. It is a new product that we want to improve the work of seminal analysis , an area in which the company is a leader.

With Spermtrack the offer grows with a new tool that substantially improves the counting cameras that already existed in the marking . By following the semen droplet displacement procedure, The Spermtrack eliminates most of the disadvantages of the less efficient products on the market.

Another advantage is its design. A model that facilitates its use under the microscope and makes it even easier to clean, handle and store .

One of the most striking features of this element is that it can be customized by colors . Therefore, it is easier to identify the samples with which we are working and speed up the work process in this regard. It also allows you to engrave the identifying name on the bottom of the camera, for added security .

 

Spermtrack counting chamber: for humans and animals

Aware that it will be an element that will be used in many laboratories and for different purposes, the company has decided to launch it with two different capacities. Thus, we can find Spermtrack in 10 and 20 micron models.

The first model is a 10 μm deep chamber that is optimal for traditional human clinical testing . These are the usual measurements that we usually find in this type of camera.

The Spertrack 20 is a chamber with a capacity of 20 μm , following the latest recommendations in the WHO 2010 laboratory manual. An aspect with which its use is also extended for veterinary purposes . This greater capacity allows a greater natural freedom of movement of the sperm , a necessary peculiarity for this type of sperm samples.

spermtrack counting chamber

Another feature to consider when it comes to Spermtrack is the reliability and security that comes with laboratory analysis. Therefore, the serial numbers on the lid and the chamber are independent, allowing full traceability of the sample as marked by ISO 13485 standards .

Finally, it should be noted that Spermtrack allows better visibility under the microscope . This is because this chamber is thinner than other similar products in the lab products industry.

This is because the light from the microscope’s condenser reaches the sample much more in focus, improving optical quality and avoiding the generation of common visual artifacts that appear in other similar devices. This makes it much easier to observe and study these samples in laboratories.

Therefore, with Spermtrack you gain in reliability, safety, visibility, organization, optimization of work, safety and reliability . Aspects that are causing many laboratories to rely on this new system for their projects. If you want to test its effectiveness and improve your performance, do not hesitate and contact us.

Not only will we expand the information we have collected in this article , but we will answer any questions that may arise in this regard and we will tell you how to get them. And all this simply by contacting us through the web or by phone. Don’t hesitate and make the leap to superior quality and work!

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Sperm quality and subpopulation behavior.

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The quality of sperm in a semen sample does not depend, as previously thought, on the individual quality of sperm samples. On the contrary, it depends on the joint action of sperm subpopulations.

 

This conclusion, which is based on a clear research premise, has been made possible by the work of researchers from the University of Valencia and the PROISER Company.

 

Sperm quality: A job of many years

The study on sperm behavior and sperm quality in different samples has been the main objective of the Department of Cell Biology, Functional and Physical Anthropology of the University of Valencia for several decades. A line of research that has been supported by the Valencian company PROISER, dedicated to the diagnosis of semen samples and which has developed revolutionary software to reveal parameters of sperm samples and give answers on sperm morphometry.

Sperm morphology is a line of study and work that is based on the correct identification of sperm involved in the reproduction function of some internal fertilization species.

An area of work in which the members of the research team of the University of Valencia raised the need to check the starting point of many of the work that had been carried out in the laboratories. Works that claimed that the success of fertilization depended on the health of a sperm and its individual ability.

However, thanks to the trials carried out by the professionals of the University of Valencia, it was possible to verify that the way sperm behave in a reproduction process is mainly due to the joint action of them and the coordination they develop with each other.

Hence the main element of work in internal in Vitro fertilization processes is no longer a single sperm, but a sample of them.

computer assisted counting. sperm quality

Sperm analysis. – CASA System

The findings of this study revolutionized the field of assisted reproduction by offering answers and solutions around male fertility with internal fertilization.

 

Reference in the field of reproduction

With this new work, which has been echoed by numerous scientific journals, a change in assisted reproduction strategy has been defined, both in its veterinary and human applications. What has made both the University of Valencia and the company PROISER a reference for the rest of the laboratories and entities that carry out their work in this field.

This new milestone adds to other PROISER findings in the same area. This private entity has been developing computer programs and applications for more than a decade that favor successful seminal analysis. In fact, it is noted as a leading company in the development of different systems of sperm analysis that in the professional field are known as “Computer Assisted Semen Analysis“. A quantification system that has full implementation today.

PROISER. sperm quality

CASA System

In this way, PROISER continues to advance and place Valencian talent at the top of the international ranking.

sperm morphology. Proiser. Trumorph.

Thrumorph: the new technique of observing sperm morphology

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Trumorph is the name of a technique that is presented as the definitive mode of work in terms of observation of sperm morphology.

A system with which you will be able to obtain reliable data with which to carry out your research on sperm samples, in the best possible way. Who your lab, using this system, will be able to be more competitive and be able to respond to the needs of users faster than is usually done.

In order to know this system, its operation and advantages, we have written this article in which we want to develop a little its concept and philosophy.

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Trumorph: what is it and what advantages it offers in the observation of sperm morphology.

Trumorph is a system that allows us to analyze the morphology of sperm from a semen sample of a person or animal. So thanks to it we can know all the data we need to work with sperm samples.
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To achieve this, Trumorph comprises a device and a 40x/60 PH (-) lens. So, after placing a drop between the carrier and the conventional cover, the device raises the sample temperature to 45 degrees Celsius for 5 seconds, applying a slight pressure. This allows cells to be immobilized and easier to observe in the optical microscope. Which allows you to carry out your study without any problem more quickly because thanks to this system we have prepared the sample in just a few seconds.
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What saves key time for this activity, as the shorter process of preparing sperm samples usually takes about 2 hours.
Trumorph®. PROISER.sperm morphology

Trumorph®

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Trumorph is an innovative technique of observing sperm morphology

You only need 20 seconds to prepare the sample!

Trath significant advantage of this system, is that the results obtained in terms of observation of the sperm morphology are comparable to those observed after using conventional stains, with the advantage that in this case it is not necessary to introduce these elements.

The Trumorph system is supported by different scientific publications, as it has been proven to be valid both in the conduct of analysis with human samples and those obtained from other animals. You can request more information at info-proiser.com

On our website you can obtain information about Trumorph as well as all the product offering that Proiser has at the disposal of its customers to give a complete solution for the analysis and counting of sperm samples; sperm counting cameras; Heated plates and plates; staining kits and reagents and systems to develop analysis on sperm morphology in living cells refers.
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In any case, if you have any questions and need to clarify it, do not hesitate and contact us. We will assist you both by email and by phone.

Spermtrack. seminal counting chamber. Proiser

Reusable counting chamber of sperm samples

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When we work with sperm samples we need top quality products. Systems and work supplements like those we offer in Proiser, where you will be able to acquire all kinds of tools and substances that you require for your daily work. One of the most popular is our seminal counting chamber. A product that is called Spermtrack and that allows to alleviate the workload of laboratories.

To get to know it, in Proiser we have written this article with which we want to explain its main characteristics and its operation.
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Seminal counting chamber: Spermtrack

Spermtrack is the name of a new counting chamber that has launched the ISAS brand, one of the most prestigious in the scientific field.

Thank you to this new camera, seminal analysis is developed as an activity with a new tool that substantially improves pre-existing counting chambers.

And is that following the semen drop-shifting procedure, Spermtrack eliminates most of the disadvantages presented by the less efficient products found on the market.

The Spermtrack design makes it easy to use under the microscope and also the cleaning, handling and storage actions that require proper use.

Spermtrack. seminal counting chamber PROISER

Spermtrack®

 

Advantages of using Spermtrack

To facilitate its handling, Spermtrack can be customized with different colors. Allowing even recording a name at the bottom of the camera. So we avoid mistakes or have to repeat tests because samples have been mixed.

To adapt to all the needs and activities around this activity, Spermtrack is available in two models: one of 10 and one of 20 microns. In the first case, it is a 10 μm depth chamber for traditional human clinical analysis. On the second model, it should be noted that it is a 20 μm  chamber, which follows the latest recommendations from the 2010 WHO Laboratory Manual, while expanding its use for veterinary purposes, due to increased natural freedom of movement of sperm cells.

SPERMTRAK. PROISER.

Spermtrack®

Another advantage offered by the use of this camera is its traceability as far as its daily application is concerned is that it has independent series numbers on the lid and in the camera, allowing for complete traceability according to ISO 13485 standards. A guarantee for those who work with them.
It should be noted, too, that Spermtrack is thinner than other similar products. This allows the microscope capacitor light to reach the sample much more focused, improving optical quality and preventing the generation of common visual artifacts that appear on other similar devices. All of this makes it easier for people who manipulate them to get their results more reliably.
So, if you want your lab to be more competitive when it comes to sperm sample work, don’t hesitate and purchase these reusable counting chambers. You will be able to find them on our website, in the tab that we dedicate to the products that relate to the seminal analysis. Here, in addition, you will be able to get more data about it, and even see photographs of the product. Which will allow you to get a visual idea of what it’s like and how you work with it.
spermtrack seminal counting chamber. PROISER

Spermtrack®

And if despite all this you still have doubts about anything related to it, do not hesitate and contact us, Proiser. We’ll figure it out for you quickly.