Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Men only

Comparing two methods for processing semen quality in infertility treatment

Official title: Effect of Sperm Preparation by a Microfluidic Chip Method Versus a Density Gradient Centrifugation Method on Semen Parameters

Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT05978947 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to process semen to see if it can better preserve sperm quality for men undergoing infertility treatment compared to the traditional method.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
SexMen only
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2023
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2025
Study endsMarch 31, 2025
Registry record updatedDecember 5, 2024
Trial IDNCT05978947 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are men with a sperm concentration of at least 5 million motile sperm per ml and a total semen volume of not less than 1.5 ml.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a sperm concentration of less than 5 million motile sperm per ml or those unable to provide an ejaculated semen sample may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a new microfluidic chip technology against the traditional density gradient centrifugation method for processing semen in men attending a fertility clinic. The research aims to determine which method better preserves sperm quality, specifically focusing on DNA fragmentation, sperm count, and motility. Participants will have their semen samples randomly assigned to one of the two processing methods, and various tests will be conducted to assess the outcomes. The goal is to improve IVF success rates by enhancing the quality of sperm used in fertilization.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved sperm quality and higher IVF success rates for couples facing infertility.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of microfluidic technology in semen processing is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in improving sperm quality.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Sperm concentration of the raw semen with at least 5 million motile sperm per ml with a total volume of not less than 1.5ml.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Sperm concentration of the raw semen of less than 5 million motile sperm per ml
* Men unable to provide an ejaculated semen sample

Where it's running

  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.