A prospective controlled evaluation of TEST-yolk buffer in the preparation of sperm for human in vitro fertilization in suspected cases of male infertility.

Objective To evaluate sperm preincubation in tes and tris (TEST)-yolk buffer as a potential enhancing agent of fertilizing capacity of sperm during human in vitro fertilization (IVF). Design Oocytes obtained during IVF were divided into two groups: one group fertilized with TEST-yolk buffer-treated sperm and the other group with standard-prepared sperm. Setting The University of Southern California IVF Program. Patients Thirty-nine couples with suspected male factor infertility undergoing IVF. Interventions Preinsemination incubation of sperm in TEST-yolk buffer for 24hours. Main Outcome Measures Fertilization rates in vitro. Results TEST-yolk buffer-treated sperm fertilized 140 of 241 oocytes (58%), whereas control sperm fertilized 108 of 251 oocytes (43%). Of four couples who had previously failed to fertilize during IVF, one fertilized with both specimens and three fertilized with TEST-yolk buffer-treated sperm only. Conclusions TEST-yolk buffer pretreatment of sperm for 24hours results in higher fertilization rates during IVF among suspected male factor patients.