FAQ1: Does Sil-Select Plus^TM contain antibiotics ? This is dependent on the product code. We have Sil-Select Plus^TM available with 10mg/liter gentamicin.

FAQ2: Should the whole bottle be prewarmed each time? How long can I use Sil-Select Plus^TM after opening the bottle? We have performed in-use testing on Sil-Select Plus^TM which supports the use of the media up to 7 days, taking into consideration that the bottle was opened under sterile conditions and the product was stored at 2-8°C after opening. In addition and as indicated in the IFU it is advised to:

• keep the product in its original container until the day of use and
• Depending on the number of procedures that will be performed on one day, remove the required volume of medium under aseptic conditions in an appropriate sterile recipient. Only prewarm this recipient. This is in order to avoid multiple opening/warming cycles of the medium. Discard excess (unused) media.

FAQ3: Can we make our own gradients instead of using your upper and lower layer density gradients ? Yes you can, for that you would need to order Sil-Select Stock^TM instead of Sil-Select Plus^TM. Dilute Sil-Select Stock^TM with FertiCult^TM Flushing medium to the desired density gradient (90-45 or 80-40 or other dilutions).

FAQ4: What is the advantage of the inclusion of human serum albumin in the formulation of Sil-Select Plus^TM? Inclusion of HSA reduces the unintended adhesion of heavily moving spermatozoa to glassware (glass adhesion).

FAQ5: How to handle a bad semen sample with a volume larger than 2.5ml? Use more than one tube, with a maximum of 100 million cells per tube. Do not change the ideal volume ratio of 2.5ml semen – 2.5ml upper layer – 2.5 ml lower layer! The gradient/semen can be centrifuged for an additional 5-10 minutes (total of 23-28 min @ 400g). Sil-Select 80% might be used instead of Sil-Select Plus^TM Lower Layer (more sperm cells will pass through the layers).

FAQ6: How long after liquefaction can gradient centrifugation be performed? Gradient centrifugation should be performed as soon as possible.

FAQ7: How to resuspend the pellet after centrifugation? Use a syringe, pasteur pipet or micropipet. Avoid vortexing because this can harm the spermatozoa.

FAQ8: Which medium should be used for washing after performing density gradient selection? FertiCult^TM Flushing medium or Sil-Select Plus^TM Sperm Washing/Insemination medium.