Comparison of Hyaluronan Binding Assay Scores of Spermatozoa Using Swim-Up Techniques and Density Gradient Centrifugation
Kammala Tachawiwat MD*, Chatpavit Getpook MD**, Alan Geater PhD***
Affiliation : * Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand ** Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand *** Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
Objective : To compare the hyaluronan binding assay (HBA) scores of sperm preparation using two different methods, the
swim-up technique and density gradient centrifugation (DGC).
Materials and Method: This experimental study used semen specimens from 54 volunteer subjects with normal semen
analysis according to the 2010 World Health Organization criteria. Each semen specimen was split into two portions: one
was prepared using the swim-up method and the other the DGC method. The prepared sperm were counted in the sperm-HBA
slide to determine bound and unbound motile sperm. The HBA scores between the two methods were compared using matched
analysis.
Results : The HBA scores by either preparation method were >80%. There was no statistically significant difference in HBA
scores between the swim-up preparation [median 97%, interquartile range (IQR) 94, 98] and density gradient centrifugation
[median 96%, IQR 95, 98] (p = 0.96). Ten of the 54 specimens received the same HBA scores following the two methods and
none differed by more than +7%.
Conclusion : Both preparation methods gave high HBA scores with no apparent difference in the proportions between
methods.
Keywords : Hyaluronan binding, Spermatozoa, Swim-up, Density gradient centrifugation
