Vial Types
Seattle Sperm Bank offers different vial types for different treatment uses. We’re going to breakdown each vial type and what treatment types they are typically used for. You best source of information for your treatment plan will always come from your health care provider. But do not hesitate to reach out to us if you wish to learn more about our vial offerings or need any support!
IUI Vials
IUI vials are the most common type of vial purchased regardless of treatment. IUI vials are washed which means the semen sample has been processed to remove the fluid portion (seminal fluid) and other cells found in semen samples (sperm cells that are not moving, white blood cells, skin cells). The contents that remain in an IUI sample are motile sperm cells, fluid that support the sperm cells, and cryoprotectant. Cryoprotectant is a fluid that helps the cells survive the freezing process.
IUI vials are ready to use for any insemination type, intrauterine insemination (IUI) with a healthcare professional or IVF. IUI vials can also be used at home for an intracervical insemination (ICI) or self-insemination.
Fast facts about IUI Vials
- IUI vials are sold in 0.5ml volumes with a guarantee of 10 million motile sperm cells*.
- IUI vials can be used for all insemination procedures.
- IUI vials are appropriate for home insemination.
- IUI vials are the most commonly used vial type.
*IUI vials counted with at least 7.5 million motile sperm per vial are considered within an acceptable range of our target motile sperm count and do not qualify for a replacement under our specimen quality guarantee.
ART and ICSI Vials
IUI-ART vials are a specialized type of vial with a lower number of motile sperm cells in comparison to standard IUI vials. These vials are a great option for IVF treatments, and can sometimes be used for insemination treatment cycles as well.
If you find that these are the only vials available for your chosen donor, it may be possible to use multiple vials for other treatment types. We recommend you speak with your healthcare team before purchasing these for your treatment.
Fast facts about IUI-ART vials
- IUI-ART vials are sold in 0.5ml volumes with 4-9 million motile sperm cells*.
- IUI-ART vials can be used for all treatment procedures, but we recommend you speak with your healthcare team before purchasing these for your treatment.
- IUI-ART vials are not well suited for home insemination.
*IUI-ART vials counted with at least 3.0 million motile sperm per vial are considered within an acceptable range of our target motile sperm count and do not qualify for replacement as part of our specimen quality guarantee.
ICSI vials are a specialized type of vial with a limited number of motile sperm cells. These are washed vials, like IUI vial types, but with fewer total motile cells than other washed vials. These vials are a great option for ICSI treatments.
If you find that these are the only vials available for your chosen donor, it may be possible to use multiple vials for other treatment types. We recommend you speak with your healthcare team before purchasing these for your treatment.
Fast facts about ICSI vials
- ICSI vials are sold in 0.5ml volumes with 1-4 million motile sperm cells.
- ICSI vials can be used for ICSI procedures, where higher sperm cells are not required
- ICSI vials are not well suited for home insemination.
ICSI vials are not eligible for replacement under our specimen quality guarantee.
*For more information about our specimen quality guarantees, visit our product guarantee page HERE.