We want you to use ZyMōt devices to their fullest potential, helping both your lab and your patients. If you have questions about processing sperm samples with ZyMōt devices, please check here to see if your question has been answered. If not, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
The vast majority of users select the ZyMōt Multi 850µL Sperm Separation Device. It is simple to adopt, easy to use, and has a robust record of success for multiple sample types. This device delivers 500µL of sample that can be directly used for IUI, IVF or ICSI procedures, and requires only 1mL syringes for use.
ZyMōt devices can be used with any sample that has some motile sperm, even at extremely low concentrations. We see clinics using ZyMōt devices for every eligible patient: from “normal” samples to severe male factor patients.
Yes. When using a frozen sample, follow cryobank instructions on thawing the vial. Dilute the sample 1:1 with wash media (usually 500µL). Mix gently by tapping the tube/vial and inject 850µL of this diluted sample into the ZyMōt Multi 850µL device in the same manner as a fresh sample. Please see the Instructions For Use or ask us for more detail.
Yes. ZyMōt devices are not just for samples with normal parameters. ZyMōt devices are based on sperm motility, and thus require that a sample have some motile sperm, even at extremely low concentrations.
We have not yet found a low concentration limit with the ZyMōt Multi 850µL device, as long as there are some motile sperm in the sample. Using the standard ZyMōt Instructions for Use, users have seen success at extremely low concentration levels, with total motile counts well below 50,000/mL.
We do not have data to suggest there is a high concentration limit. Using the standard IFU procedures, our users have seen success with samples above concentrations of 220M/mL.
No. We do not have data to support use of ZyMōt devices for surgically extracted samples. ZyMōt Sperm Separation Devices are based on motility and thus require samples to have motile sperm – TESE samples are not likely to meet this requirement.
Yes. Viscous samples can be injected into the ZyMōt Multi 850µL device. We encourage users to try and avoid excessive manipulation of samples before use with ZyMōt devices. In extreme cases, viscous samples can be diluted slightly with wash media, or gently disturbed with a “chopping” motion using the recommended Luer-tip syringe used to inject the sample into a ZyMōt device. Running a sample back and forth through a syringe, for example, can exert shearing forces on sperm DNA, and should be avoided if at all possible.
No. We do not have data to support allowing the sample to incubate with a chemical like chymotrypsin, so we do not recommend that enzymatically-digested samples be used with ZyMōt devices.
No. The ZyMōt Multi 850µL device was designed and optimized with specific requirements for operation, as stated in the Instructions for Use. Do not deviate from the incubation times in the Instructions.
No. Samples should not be held in ZyMōt devices longer than that 30 minute incubation time. If a sample cannot be used right away after the 30 minute incubation is complete, remove the sample from the device and store it in an appropriate culture tube, rather than holding the sample in the device.
If a sample volume is less than the required 850µL, add media to the sample to bring the total volume to 850µL, mix gently by tapping the container, and then inject the 850µL volume into the device as described in the Instructions for Use. Injecting 850µL ensures that the lower chamber is full, giving sperm the maximum exposure to the device’s membrane filter, ensuring optimal recovery.
Yes. The ZyMōt Multi 850µL device (our most popular) produces a 500µL sample that can be used for ICSI and IVF, or be used directly in an IUI catheter.
No. Only one ZyMōt Multi 850µL or Multi 3mL device is needed per patient. Each sample will be different, of course, and some patients may not have a suitable concentration for IUI use. But we are finding that clinics are re-evaluating their IUI concentration metrics because ZyMōt devices deliver high-quality samples. Contact us directly for more details.
Yes. ZyMōt devices have been evaluated in a growing list of peer-reviewed publications. Additional research is ongoing.
Yes. ZyMōt devices were CE certified in 2017 and FDA cleared in 2018.
No. Patients cannot purchase ZyMōt devices directly – they must be obtained through a healthcare provider. Contact us to learn which USA fertility practices are currently using ZyMōt devices. Outside of the USA, ZyMōt devices are available from international distributors, who work with fertility practices to adopt ZyMōt devices. We also work with patients to help have a conversation about ZyMōt with their doctor/clinic and then work with that practice to adopt ZyMōt devices into their procedures.
We do not require the use of a specific sperm wash media, but incubation conditions must be appropriate for the type of media being used. If using a bicarbonate-buffered media, ZyMōt devices must be incubated in a humidified, 37C, gassed incubator. If using a HEPES-buffered, ZyMōt devices must be incubated in a humidified, non-gassed incubator.
Yes. ZyMōt devices must be incubated for 30 minutes at 37°C.
Clinics take different approaches to presenting ZyMōt Sperm Separation Devices to patients. Some bundle it into their standard care, so that ZyMōt use is “behind the scenes.” Other practices offer ZyMōt devices as an add-on or as a possible path to avoid surgical procedures.
No. Sperm with heads smaller than 8 microns can physically swim through the membrane filter. “Pinhead” sperm are sometimes seen in ZyMōt-processed samples; however, they are not capable of fertilizing an egg and would not be selected for use in ICSI procedures.
We do not have any data to indicate that ZyMōt Sperm Separation Devices remove viruses from a sample.
No. ZyMōt devices are made with certified sperm-safe materials, including the membrane filter. The device and membrane filter contain no drug or chemical treatment. We can provide a Certificate of Conformance upon request.
Yes
We want you to use ZyMōt devices to their fullest potential, helping both your lab and your patients.
If your question has not been answered, please contact us using the form on the right and we will do our best to help.