Microchip Sperm

What is Microchip (Microfluidic Sperm Selection)? – Clinical Guide

What is Microchip?

Microchip is a modern sperm preparation method that uses microfluidic technology to select sperm through channels that mimic their natural environment.

How Does It Work?

As sperm pass through microchannels, the most motile sperm with low DNA damage are selected. Centrifugation is not used.

What is it Used For?

It aims to improve embryo quality and increase the chance of pregnancy by enabling the selection of higher quality sperm.

When is it Preferred?

• High DNA fragmentation
• Recurrent IVF failure
• Poor embryo quality
• Unexplained infertility
• Moderate-to-severe male factor infertility

Advantages

• Selection of sperm with lower DNA damage
• More physiological due to the absence of centrifugation
• Potential for better embryo development

Disadvantages

• Additional cost
• May not show significant benefit in every patient
• Limited evidence for standard use

Relationship with ICSI

It is generally used as a sperm preparation method before ICSI.

Clinical Fact

The Microchip method is promising but not routinely necessary for every patient. It is more beneficial in selected patients.

Conclusion

Microchip sperm selection is an advanced technique used in modern IVF laboratories and may offer advantages, especially in patients with sperm quality problems.