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WHAT IS THE MACS TECHNIQUE?

calidad esperma

The MACS technique, also known as triple sperm selection, is one of the most advanced techniques in assisted reproduction. Thanks to it, embryologists can select sperm that do not have apoptotic markers to be used for fertilization.

Why is this technique important if you have sperm problems? Because it is capable of ruling out the so-called “apoptotic sperm”. These types of sperms are of low quality, since they are programmed not to survive, therefore, with this technique, the healthy ones are chosen and thus the possibility of pregnancy is increased. In fact, in our clinics, you can count on the “triple sperm selection”, which includes MACS technique, where the specialist will choose the best sperm according to objective criteria, to achieve fertilization of the egg and sperm.

As explained previously, the MACS technique focuses on the selection of the best sperm, which will be used in an In Vitro Fertilization treatment. Thanks to the MACS technique, pregnancy rates can be considerably improved.

Next, the team of embryologists at Ovoclinic will explain to you what this technique consists of and the alternative that unifies the three most advanced methods of sperm selection.

STEP BY STEP OF THE PSRM SELECTION

The MCS technique is capable of separating sperm according to their charge and size, with the best quality ones being the most electronegative and smallest. But how is it achieved? “The annexin V protein is capable of identifying sperm that are going to die before fertilizing the egg. Knowing this, we will proceed to separate the sperm that have this protein. To do this, we will pass the sample through a specialized media and only the sperm that are free of this molecule will be able to pass easily. This way we can separate them from the healthy ones”, explain the embryologists at Ovoclinic.

HOW IS THE TRIPLE SPERM SELECTION

The process carried out by embryologists in Ovoclinic laboratories to perform triple selection, combines three methods:

  1. Density gradients (separation based on sperm motility)
  2. MACS (selection based on apoptosis)
  3. PICSI (selection based on sperm maturation)

Thanks to this unification of the most advanced techniques, embryologists will carry out the selection in a totally objective and efficient way, following a series of stipulated very very demanding, concrete and measurable parameters. In this way, the team of embryologists makes sure to obtain the highest quality sperm to use n the treatment, thus enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy. As Enrique Criado – CEO of Ovoclinic and director of the laboratories – explains in his study on triple sperm selection:

In treatments where this selection is applied, the percentage of embryos that reach the blastocyst stage is higher, as the percentage of pregnancies.

FOR WHOM IS THE TRIPLE SELECTION SUITABLE?

This assisted reproduction technique is indicated for any type of patient. From the Ovoclinic team of embryologists, they recommend that specially these kind of patients make use of them:

  • Patients that have suffered repeated abortions without being able to identify the cause.
  • Patients with at least one previous cycle or with poor embryo quality not attributable to eggs.

WHY IS THE MACS TECHNIQUE IMPORTANT FOR IVF?

The MACS technique is important to use in IVF treatment with ICSI. As Ovoclinic embryologists point out, ICSI is the most accurate fertilization method. Why? Because through a specialized microscope the best sperm is selected and inserted into the oocyte using a special needle.

ADVANTAGES OF USING THE MACS TECHNIQUE IN AN ICSI

The main advantages of having the MACS technique within your assisted reproduction treatment are:

  • Simple and established technique for over 25 years.
  • It is a technique that improves pregnancy rates.
  • It is not invasive, as is the case, for example, with testicular biopsy.

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