Using a vortex mixer for testicular sperm collection.

Objective: To evaluate 2 methods of processing testicular tissue for the retrieval of viable sperm from men with nonobstructive azoospermia.

Study Design: Fresh testicular tissue was obtained from nonobstructive azoospermia patients using a biopsy needle. The specimens were divided into 2 fractions. All specimens were minced and immersed in human tubal fluid (HTF). The first fraction was filtered through a nylon filter and incubated for 3 hours. The supernatant was centrifuged, resuspended in HTF and analyzed. The second fraction was immediately vortexed for 5 minutes and filtered through a nylon filter. The supernatant was centrifuged, resuspended in HTF and analyzed.

Results: Spermatozoa were obtained in 13 of 24 cases (54.2%) using the vortex method and in 5 of 24 cases (20.8%) with the nylon filter method.

Conclusion: The vortex mixing method may be a better option than the conventional method for processing testicular tissue for sperm collection.