What is the macs technique?

In recent years, a new technique of sperm selection has appeared: the annexin V columns. It allows the separation of spermatozoa of better quality through the application of magnetic fields, which is why it is also known by the name of MACS (magnetic-activated cell sorting). In this article we will explain what it is based on and what clinical applications it has.

Below you have an index with all the points that we will discuss in this article.

Index

What is the MACS technique? - Improvements in sperm selection

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of this technique is that it allows discarding apoptotic sperm, which may not be detected by conventional sperm selection methods. Therefore, it is possible to separate the best quality sperm early.

Several studies have confirmed that thanks to the MACS technique with annexin V, pregnancy rates are improved.

However, it must be borne in mind that when using the annexin columns, the concentration of the seminal sample decreases considerably, since in the final sample, only healthy sperm will be present. This means that the sample resulting from this procedure, in most cases, can only be used for ICSI, since the concentration is insufficient to perform an artificial insemination or a conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Another drawback of this technique is that it is more expensive and laborious than traditional methods. Therefore, it is only advisable to use it in patients in whom it is indicated.

Questions from users

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Gonal-f pen: doses of 300, 450 and 900 - How does it apply?

Fertility treatments in the couple: how to get pregnant?

What is the purpose of the ovitrelle in a fiv treatment?