title: Development of a simplified method of human semen storage for the testing of sperm DNA fragmentation using the Halosperm G2 test kit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a simple, convenient, and stable storage method for semen before DNA fragmentation testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fertility clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  164 male partners of infertile couples.
  
  
  METHODS
  Comparison of sperm DNA fragmentation levels (DFLs) using fresh, snap-frozen and air-dried semen, with air-dried samples stored at different temperatures and time periods to assess DNA stability.
  
  
  METHODS
  DFL determined by Halosperm G2 kit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. The DFLs from fresh and air-dried semen gave comparable results (1.08% ± 0.65%), and from snap-frozen and fresh samples a statistically significant difference (5.5% ± 1.09%). Air-dried semen stored at room temperature for 7 days had a statistically significantly higher DFL compared with semen stored overnight (46.29% ± 9.12%). Samples stored at 4°C for 7 days or 1 day showed no statistically significant difference (0.83% ± 0.82%). DFLs from samples stored for either 1 or 30 days at 4°C showed a statistically significant difference (19.59% ± 5.72%); those stored at -22°C showed no statistically significant difference (0.68% ± 0.53%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Air-drying semen is a simple and stable storage method for up to 1 month at -22°C before DNA fragmentation testing.
authors.affiliation: Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia; Fertility North, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia. Electronic address: a.mcevoy@ecu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Ashleigh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McEvoy
authors.affiliation: Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Fertility North, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Kailin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yap
authors.affiliation: Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia; Fertility North, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Phillip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matson
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000592:standards; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D003890:Desiccation; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011786:Quality Control; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000473:pathology*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
keywords: Halosperm; semen storage; sperm DNA damage