Once a sterile container has been labeled with patient indicators, a gradient solution is prepared, and the semen sample is layered on top. The sample is placed into a centrifuge to isolate the sperm from the surrounding seminal plasma. After the sample has been spun in the centrifuge and the contents have separated, the fluid is removed so that only the sperm remain.
At this point, a washing media is combined with the sample, and it is spun in the centrifuge again to further clean up the sperm. The wash media is then removed, and the isolated clean sperm is placed a counting chamber, which the embryologist evaluates under a microscope to determine the quantity and motility of the sperm. At this point, the isolated sperm can be used for any subsequent procedure.