Laboratory Products Laboratory Equipment Consumer Products

Information

Andrology

Enhance Sperm Wash (EW and EWG)
Q:	What are the components that make up Enhance-W?
A:	EW is a ready to use HEPES-buffered modified HTF media with 5mg/ml HSA.
Q:	Does your sperm wash media contain an antibiotic?
A:	We have sperm wash available with antibiotic-Gentamycin, (EWG) and without antibiotic (EW).
Q:	Do I need to use a CO2 incubator when I use EW?
A:	No, the HEPES maintains the pH so an incubator is not needed.
Q:	What temperature should I store EW?
A:	EW should be stored between 2-8C.
Q:	What tests are used to QC EW?
A:	Five parameters are checked: pH, osmolarity, sterility, endotoxin levels, and 2-cell Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA).
Enhance Cell Isolated Media
Q:	Are there any antibiotics in Enhance S-Plus (ESP)?
A:	No. You can supplement ESP with antibiotics.
Q:	I sometimes notice some precipitation on the bottom of the Enhance S Plus bottles, is this normal?
A:	Yes it is. A very small percentage of the silica particles, which are actually "floating" in Enhance S Plus, precipitate after a few days or weeks. The relative amount of precipitation is so small it doesn't effect the functionality of the product, you can however dissolve it again by shaking the bottle or swirling the liquids. Please notice the difference between a precipitate and contamination, in case of contamination the silica particles tend to form small lumps which don't dissolve even after shaking firmly. Avoid opening the bottles, make sure to always work under laminar flow when extracting medium from the bottles and only use fresh, sterile needles to do so.
Q:	The final pellet I get after using Enhance S Plus contains a large percentage of non-motile spermatozoa, is Enhance S Plus not working correctly?
A:	High sperm yield with bad selection is symptomatic for too high centrifugation speeds. Calculate the optimal centrifuge speed using this formula: rpm = Square root {g/(1.118 x r)}. Replace "r" with the radius of the centrifuge in mm. The radius should be measured from the center of the rotor to the most distant point of the centrifuge tube => in case of a swing-bucket rotor, measure with the bucked in its horizontal position. Replace "g" with the desired g-force (e.g. 300g).
Semen VTS
Q:	What is Semen VTS?
A:	Semen VTS is designed to liquefy semen samples which have remained viscous after 30 minutes at room temperature. Each vial contains 5 mg of lyophilized alpha-Chymotrypsin . There are 20 vials per box. Semen VTS is intended to assist in sample preparation prior to microscopic analysis only.
Q:	What are the recommended storage conditions for Semen VTS?
A:	Store the product at -0°C upon receipt. Warm to room temperature (25°C) prior to use. The product has one-year shelf life from date of manufacture. The expiration date is shown on the box.
Q:	How long should it take a sample to liquefy?
A:	Results will vary with different samples, however if liquefaction has not occurred within 2 hours, the sample is not appropriate for use with Semen VTS.
Semen CMC
Q:	How is Semen CMC packaged?
A:	Semen CMC is packaged in sleeved cryo-canes with 25 pellets per can. Each cane contains 5 cryo-vials, each with 5 pellets. Semen CMC is sold in quantities of 50, 100 and 300 sets of pellets (normal and low-abnormal). Individual canes contain only one value sample. Each can will clearly be labeled with lot number and whether it is a normal or low (abnormal) sample.
Q:	Will Semen CMC help meet my QC requirements?
A:	Yes. The product provides two evaluation points, one normal and one abnormal (low), which if run daily, can be successfully utilized as a key element in your laboratory Quality Assurance Program for sperm concentration and motility. Complete analytical data for concentration and % motility is provided with each lot of Semen CMC. This data is the result of multiple sites testing of representative samples of the lot. Since inter-lab variation resulting from differences in procedure and technique may occur, it is best to establish your own mean for your laboratory, and the subsequent acceptable deviation from that mean, to meet your Quality Control requirements.
Q:	How long can the pellets be exposed to ambient temperature after thawing for use?
A:	After 10 minutes, prepare sample for post-thaw evaluation. Evaluate samples between 10-20 minutes to ensure consistent post-thaw motilities. Motility will decrease over time, therefore, it is important to be consistent in the timing of you post-thaw evaluations.
Q:	Do I have to use the thawing block?
A:	Yes. Place pellets only in a CMC thawing block to room temperature before use. Do not use an elevated Temperature water bath or microwave oven to thaw pellets. Incorrect thawing will result in reduced post-thaw motility.
Q:	What is the volume of each pellet?
A:	Each Semen CMC pellet is 50 microliters by volume. Using the MicroCell counting chamber to analyze the Semen CMC will allow multiple technicians to utilize the one pellet.
SpermMar
Q:	We do the SpermMar IgG test, should we also do the SpermMar IgA test?
A:	Most laboratories only do the SpermMar IgG on a routine basis, in case of a positive IgG they also do an IgA. It does happen however that a patient with a negative IgG is positive of IgA. So, from a clinical point of view you should do both SpermMar IgG and SpermMar IgA, from an economical point of view however you would probably opt for the IgG as a routine test and IgA for positive IgG's.
Q:	Why does the SpermMar IgG kit contain 2 bottles and the SpermMar IgA only 1?
A:	The SpermMar IgG kit contains one bottle of latex particles coated with IgG and one bottle of anti-IgG antiserum. The antiserum actually links the antibodies on the surface of the spermatozoa to the antibodies on the surface of the latex particles. The SpermMar IgA on the other hand contains only one bottle of latex particles coated with monoclonal anti-IgA directly linking the latex particles to the antibodies on the surface of the spermatozoa. The SpermMar IgA therefore only needs 1 bottle of reagents where the SpermMar IgG needs 2.
Q:	Sometimes when I do the SpermMar IgG test, the sperm cells stop moving after 15 minutes, is this normal?
A:	Yes it is. After mixing the reagents with the spermatozoa wait 2-3 minutes before reading the results, you should not wait longer than 5 minutes.
Q:	In the SpermMar IgG test the latex particles agglutinate, is this normal?
A:	Yes it is. Just as in the principle explained above, the antiserum not only links the latex particles to the spermatozoa but also to the other latex particles which also contain IgG. The particles therefore tend to agglutinate. Another reason why agglutination may occur is because the bottles containing the latex particles was not mixed well before use. Also make sure to thoroughly mix the antiserum with the latex particles and the sperm on the slide.
Spermac Kit for Morphology
Q:
A:	For questions about Spermac Kit for Morphology, email us.
Leucoscreen
Q:	In some samples formation of bubbles make it almost impossible to read the results under the microscope, what can I do to avoid this?
A:	Formation of bubbles is part of the chemical reaction taking place between the peroxidase and the hydrogen peroxide. Formation of bubbles is therefore correlated to the amount of peroxidase available in the sample. To avoid bubbles from interfering with the interpretation of the results, wait 5 to 10 minutes before covering the sample/LeucoScreen mixture with the cover glass. If the problem is still not solved, wait even longer.
Q:	Can I test whether the reagent of the LeucoScreen kit are still active?
A:	Yes you can, take 1ml of "Reagent 1: (the color dye), activate with 30µl of hydrogen peroxide and add 200 units of peroxidase: "Reagent 1" should immediately change color to a dark brownish red. If it doesn't, the hydrogen peroxide is probably not active anymore (make sure to firmly close the bottle after each use).
VitalScreen Eosin Nigrosin Stain
Q:
A:	For questions about VitalScreen Eosin Nigrosin Stain, email us.
Male Morph Continuous Quality Control for Morphology
Q:
A:	For questions about Male Morph Continuous Quality Control for Morphology, email us.
Microcell
Q:	What do I need to start using the MicroCell?
A:	If you will be counting manually with a microscope you will need a starter kit. The starter kit includes an eyepiece reticle, a stage micrometer and 1 box of MicroCells. The starter kit is $130. If you will be using a CASA machine, all you need are the MicroCells.
Q:	How much semen do I need to load the MicroCell chamber?
A:	3-5 microliters will be enough to fill the chamber. You cannot overfill the MicroCell chamber.
Q:	How long is the sample stable once loaded in the MicroCell?
A:	For at least 30 minutes.
Q:	Do I have to wash the sample first?
A:	MicroCell can be used with raw semen or post wash samples. You can load the sample and perform a concentration and motility evaluations simultaneously.
Q:	What counting procedure do you recommend with the MicroCell?
A:	Perform the analysis near the center of the large open area of the chamber. The concentration will be most accurate if you count at least 100 cells in several different fields.
Q:	What do you recommend as a quality control for MicroCell?
A:	See Semen CMC-Concentration and Motility Control.
Q:	How do I know the chamber is 20 microns deep?
A:	Every chamber of each MicroCell is checked with a laser interferometer to calculate the exact depth of the chamber. If the chamber does not meet the specifications, it is destroyed. Every lot of MicroCells is shipped with a certificate of analysis for your records.
Q:	Why is the Microcell 20 microns deep?
A:	20 microns allows the visualization of all sperm in a single plane for counting accuracy while not constricting the movement of the sperm allowing for a more accurate motility assessment. "The volume of semen and the dimensions of the cover slip must be standardized so that the analyses are always carried out in a preparation of a fixed depth of about 20 micrometers. This allows a rough estimate of sperm concentration to be made in order to determine how to prepare the semen for accurate determination of sperm concentration. Depths less than 20 microns may constrain the rotational movement of the spermatozoa." - 1999 Edition WHO manual Chapter 2, Section 2.4.1
Q:	Does the MicroCell have a grid on the cover slip?
A:	No the MicroCell does not have a grid on the cover slip. Instead an eyepiece reticle with a 10 x 10 grid is inserted into the ocular of the microscope. This allows you to move the slide and use the entire chamber area for analysis.
Q:	Which size reticle do I need for my microscope?
A:	We have reticles that will fit almost every microscope. Contact your Conception Technologies Sales representative with the manufacturer and model of your microscope also include the part number of the oculars.
Q:	Why do I have to calibrate my microscope to use the MicroCell?
A:	Every microscope will be slightly different and by calibrating the MicroCell for each scope and each setting you will get the most accurate results.
Q:	How do I calibrate the MicroCell?
A:	Follow the directions in the users manual. Using the stage micrometer included in the starter kit, measure the distance across all 10 boxes of the reticle. Divide this number by 10. That is D. D = distance across a single box of the reticle. T = the depth of the MicroCell, 20 for the MC-20-2 and MC-20-4. F = the factor that you are solving for. F = 1,000,000/ T x D2 Write the factor down, to use with every analysis. This factor is unique for each scope and magnification. Every time you change magnification a new factor must be calculated.
Q:	How do I calculate the sperm concentration?
A:	Multiply the Average # of sperm per box by the Factor to get the concentration of sperm in millions per milliliter. C= N x F C = Concentration in millions per ml F = Factor N = average number of sperm per box = # of sperm counted/# of boxes

IVF

Enhance Culture Media
Q:
A:	For questions about Enhance Culture Media, email us.
IVF Reagents
Q:
A:	For questions about IVF Reagents, email us.
Microtools
Q:
A:	For questions about Microtools, email us.

CryoPreservation:Storage

CBS High Security Straw System
Q:	Can I use the CBS straw and my current sealer?
A:	No, the CBS straws are made from a proprietary resin that requires time, pressure and a heat algorithm for proper sealing. Each SYMS sealer is precisely calibrated for the CBS high security straws.
Q:	What is the purpose of the filling nozzle?
A:	The filling nozzle ensures a dry clean surface for sealing and protects against introducing contamination into the sealer and Liquid Nitrogen storage tanks. The filling nozzle prevents the tip of the straw from direct contact with the media sample.
Cryoproducts from Charles River Labs
Q:	What are normal uses for Mouse Embryos and Hamster Ova in an IVF or Andrology lab?
A:	· Mouse Embryos: Used to determine the toxicology of an environment (e.g. culture media, incubators, lab ware, etc). · Hamster Ova: Used for Sperm Penetration Assay (SPA) to detect possible abnormalities in sperm or seminal fluid.
Q:	What line of Mouse Embryos / Hamster Ova do you carry?
A:	Charles River Laboratories
Q:	What is the cross breed of mice used?
A:	Males: B6D2F1 x Females: B6C3F1
Q:	How are the embryos harvested?
A:	The mice are killed by cervical dislocation, and their embryos are collected by aspiration.
Q:	What cell type is available and in what quantities?
A:	· Mouse Embryos: 1-cell and 2-cell. 10 per straw or 20 per straw configurations. · Hamster Ova: 15 per straw or 30 per straw configurations.
Q:	Is there a difference between 1-cell and 2-cell mouse embryos?
A:	1-cells tend to be more sensitive. It is partially due to the longer growth period required (compared to 2-cells) before reaching the blast stage.
Q:	How are they shipped?
A:	Overnight in a LN2 shipping dewar.
Q:	What do I do when I receive my shipment?
A:	Transfer embryos to lab's LN2 tank. Check to make sure all straws were sent and are of the correct configuration. Fill out return paperwork and schedule dewar pick up.
Q:	What kind of quality control is done to ensure good quality embryos and ova?
A:	A representative sample of each batch (at least 20 cells and 2 straws) is thawed and cultured in vitro.
Q:	What media is used at Charles River Labs for their QC testing and how are they tested?
A:	· Hamster Ova: they are thawed and rehydrated in M2, then placed in a 37C incubator for 45 minutes. · Mouse Embryos: they are thawed and rinsed in M2, then cultured in 50ul drops of pregassed KSOM with 3%-4% BSA. The micro-drops are covered with oil in a 37C incubator in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. The embryos are evaluated following the 96th hour (for 1-cell) and 72nd hour (for 2-cell).
Q:	What are passing QC results?
A:	· Mouse embryos: at least 70% of 1-cell and 85% of 2-cell batches must reach blastocyst. · Hamster Ova: at least 85% of ova must appear viable (identical to fresh cells).
Q:	Do the hamster ova have a zona attached?
A:	The cumulus cells are stripped but the ova still have an intact zona pelicuda.
Q:	How do I remove the zona for SPA?
A:	Usually the zona is enzymatically removed from the egg.
Q:	What extra equipment will I need to thaw embryos / ova's?
A:	You will need the following: stylet, scissors, lab wipe, Petri dishes, rehydration media, watch or timer, two water baths (37C and 20-25C).
Q:	How many embryos should I use in a Mouse Embryo Assay?
A:	We recommend a minimum of 30 to ensure statistical significance.
Q:	What type of thawing protocol do you recommend?
A:	Ours is a 2-step thaw; with a 2-step the results seem to be better- embryos divide more evenly and progress to the next stage of development at the correct time. Protocol: 2 min. RT air, 3 min. 37C H2O, 2 min. RT H2O, to media. Refer to our protocol for more detail.

LAB:General

Enhance Air Cleaners (EAC)
Q:	Is the EAC noisy to operate?
A:	The noise level ranges from just 20 to 65 decibels, or from the sound of a whisper to that of a normal conversation.
Q:	Does it produce any harmful substances?
A:	The EAC does not produce ozone, ions or negative ions, nor is there any out-gassing of paint or plastic residues.
Q:	Does the EAC require special maintenance?
A:	Periodic vacuuming of the four sides of the outer screen and occasional rinsing of the prefilter are the only routine maintenance requirements. Annual replacement of the filter is recommended.
Q:	How much electricity is required?
A:	It uses an ordinary 120 volt outlet. Maximum draw is about 90 watts on its high setting.
Q:	Where should I place the unit?
A:	It can be placed anywhere in a room, including corners, to give consistent effective results. The EAC-400 is equipped with four caster wheels, which allows it to be easily repositioned.
Q:	How much space does the EAC effectively clean?
A:	The EAC-400 circulates up to 400 cubic ft./minute or in practical terms can clean up to 14' x 14' x 8' on a standard of 15.3 ACH (Air Changes/Hour), which exceeds CDC guidelines.
HEPA Filter
Q:	What exactly is a HEPA filter?
A:	The HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter was developed by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to filter out sub-micron particles. All true HEPA is laser tested and must remove a minimum of 99.7% of all particles greater than 0.3µ in size.
Q:	Why does EAC use activated carbon?
A:	Activated carbon is the best known substance for removing gases and odors. The best source of activated carbon is coconut shell, which is the source used in the Enhance Air Cleaner. It can remove up to 60% of its weight in odors and gases. For increased absorption of particular VOC's and CAC's, the filter is impregnated with potassium.
Q:	What is zeolite, and what does it do?
A:	Natural zeolite is mined from earth. It is a cream colored mineral that possess exceptional abilities for capturing small molecules, such as ammonia, formaldehyde and sulfides.
Q:	How do I go about changing the filter?
A:	It is very simple! Turn the unit off and unplug. Turn the unit upside down and remove the four retaining screws that secure the bottom. Lift up the bottom panel. Lift out the drum filter, (replace with new drum filter). Secure bottom panel, return to working position and turn on the EAC. Drum filter should be replaced annually.
Permafilt Prefilter
Q:	What is the Permafilt® prefilter?
A:	The prefilter is located directly behind the intake grill to trap large particles. EAC's Permafilt® prefilter replaces the costly expense of replacing the filters every three months.
Q:	How reliable is the construction?
A:	The entire body of the EAC is solid steel, which has been welded to prevent any rattle caused by motor vibration. The paint used is a powder coating, baked at 450ºF. this process eliminates any odor or gas emissions and enhances durability. The dimensions of the EAC-400 are: 23.5" high, 14.5" wide and 14.5" deep; corners have 2" radius and the weight is 46 lbs.
Q:	Why is the motor of superior design/quality?
A:	The EAC's Permanent Split Capacitor motor costs 50% less to operate than most other air cleaners. The motor uses 90 watts when run on high setting. The motor is quiet and capable of running continuously, 24 hours a day, without overheating.
Q:	Does the EAC use any plastic parts?
A:	We have gone to considerable trouble to eliminate as many petroleum based products as possible. As a result, the only plastic parts are the fan, wheels and control knob. These parts, as well as the special powder coated paint, are fully cured without having any off-gasing pollutants.
Q:	Does the EAC increase room temperature with continuous use?
A:	No, quite the opposite. Unlike a laminar flow hood, the Enhance Air Cleaner maintains the standard room temperature without generating heat. In fact, you may perceive cooler air in the rooms that tend to be uncomfortably warm. Keep your room air clean, reduce your overnight air temperatures and stay cooler by continuously using the enhance Air Cleaner in your laboratory.

LAB:Diagnostic Test Kits

Assure hCG Test Kits
Q:	What is the sensitivity of the product?
A:	20 mIU units/ mL
Q:	Do I need to run controls?
A:	A procedural control is included in the test. A colored band appearing in the control region is considered an internal positive procedural control, indicating proper performance and reactive reagents. A clear background in the results window is considered an internal negative procedural control. If the test has been performed correctly and reagents are working properly, the background will clear to give a discernable result. It is recommended that two levels of control specimens be used with each new kit, however each laboratory should follow their state and local requirements.
Q:	What are the limitations of the Assure hCG Test Kits?
A:	If a urine specimen is too dilute (i.e., low specific gravity) it may not contain representative levels of hCG. If pregnancy is still suspected, first morning urine should be obtained from the patient 48-72 hours later and tested. Immunologically interfering substances such as those used in antibody therapy treatments may invalidate the test result See the package insert for further limitations.
Q:	How should the kit be stored and what is the shelf-life.
A:	The test kit is to be stored at refrigerated or room temperature in the sealed pouch for the duration of the shelf life stamped on each kit and pouch.

Home Test Kits

Assure and OvuQuick Ovulation Predictor
Q:	Is this test more accurate than using a basal body temperature (BBT) method?
A:	BBT charting will not reliably show you when you will ovulate. The Assure LH ovulation predictor detects a surge in your LH prior to ovulation.
Q:	Do I have to test my urine at any particular time each day?
A:	You may take the test at any time of the day you find convenient. However you should test at approximately the same time each day. You should avoid consuming excess amounts of liquid for at least 4 hours prior to performing the test. Many experts recommend testing in the evening.
Q:	What could interfere with my test results?
A:	If you are or recently have been pregnant, or have reached menopause, you may get a misleading result. This may also be true if you are taking drugs or receiving injections that contain hCG or LH. LH also increases immediately after taking clomiphene citrate; the LH test device may be positive for a few days after the last pill, but the preovulatory LH surge has not yet occurred. Speak with your health care professional about when to start testing after taking clomiphene citrate.