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- 1. Methods of sperm selection and fertility
- 2. What are Annexin V columns?
- 2.1. Advantages and disadvantages
- 3. In which patients is MACS indicated?
- 4. Questions from users
- 4.1. Can a MACS be performed with sperm obtained by testicular biopsy?
- 4.2. Are annexin V columns an alternative to density gradients?
- 4.3. Can you select sex using this technique?
- 5. Recommended reading

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.
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