REcovery and SURvival REsults in optimised sperm CryopresrvaTION
Research type
Research Study
Full title
RESURRECTION: REcovery and SURvival REsults in optimised sperm CryopresrvaTION
IRAS ID
311563
Contact name
Rachel Gregoire
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Maintenance of sperm viability and functionality over extended periods can be achieved via their preservation by the freezing process (cryopreservation). Cryopreservation is now an integral element of human assisted reproduction as it helps with the management and preservation of male fertility but also allows for sperm donor banks to be generated. Successful sperm freezing is of particular importance among subfertile patients, especially after surgical sperm retrieval where obtained sperm cells must be cryopreserved prior to the partner’s oocyte collection. This process is also crucial for oncology and transitioning patients who wish to have genetically related offspring in the future.
Multiple sperm cryopreservation protocols and cryoprotectants have been tested over the last 60 years. Nevertheless, the damage caused by the freezing and thawing process still results in an approximately 50% decrease in sperm viability and motility (Nijs et al., 2009). As a gold standard method for sperm cryopreservation is yet to be determined, each centre should validate their sperm cryopreservation protocols against a standard and ensure that manufacturers instructions are followed. The aim of this project is to develop an optimised sperm cryopreservation method for normozoospermic and subfertile patients at the Hewitt Fertility Centres (HFC). This service improvement and research project will take place in the diagnostic andrology laboratory at the Knutsford Hewitt Fertility Centre.
REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0653
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jun 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion