Premium IUI or ICI and A.R.T IUI or ICI

JLacosteJLacoste Posts: 23
in Ask California Cryobank
What exactly is the difference between premium and a.r.t ? For example my dr advised me to buy iui for my procedure, and i was also told if i were to try at home i would buy ici. But which do i choose? can you explain the difference between the prem and the art?

Comments

  • ryanhlryanhl Posts: 116
    The premium sperm has been washed and the art sperm is unwashed. My doctor told me to by the already washed sperm or they would wash it for a fee at the office.
  • Mom4KiddosMom4Kiddos Posts: 83
    I don't think it's so much an issue of washing, as both Premium IUI and ART IUI are washed; but ART vials (both IUI and ICI) contain fewer total motile cells and are really not appropriate for use with insemination. They are meant to be used for procedures such as IVF, ZIFT, and GIFT.
  • kimi723kimi723 Posts: 231
    JLacoste,

    mrandmrswhite is correct.

    The following is information that is posted on the main CCB website in regards to the various specimens available:

    "ICI vials: Cryopreservative is added, and the specimen is transferred into vials that are stored in liquid nitrogen.

    IUI vials: The specimen is processed through density gradient media then washed twice. Cryopreservative is added, and the specimen is transferred into vials that are stored in liquid nitrogen

    In response to client requests, California Cryobank is now offering vials for use in a variety of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (A.R.T.), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), GIFT, ZIFT and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).

    A.R.T. vials are available in both intracervical (ICI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) preparations. CCB is the only sperm bank to offer A.R.T. vials prepared for both ICI and IUI inseminations.

    Since fewer sperm are required for A.R.T. procedures, our A.R.T. vials contain fewer total motile cells"

    Hope this helps!
    kimberly
  • cryoadmincryoadmin Posts: 103
    Well said, Kim. Sorry I have been away for a few days, but it sounds like everyone is doing great without me.

    I was working with one of our owners on an appearance on a talk show called The Doctors. Look for Dr. Rothman talking about sperm analysis on the daytime series some time in January.

    Happy Holidays,

    Scott
    CCB
  • maremmarem Posts: 1
    If I am having IVF-what type of sperm would I be looking for? I'm new and confused. Also, my dr. anticipates my procedure for mid-feb-when do I need to have my sperm?

    Marianne
  • cryoadmincryoadmin Posts: 103
    Marianne-

    All CCB vials are acceptable for an IVF procedure. We offer the less expensive A.R.T. vials specifically for use in IVF. However, not all donors have A.R.T. vials available.

    Your physician should tell you which type of vial and which preparation (IUI vs ICI) you should order. If he/she is planning to wash the specimen in the office, then you should purchase ICI.

    You should plan to have your vial delivered 1-2 days prior to the procedure just to make sure it arrives on time. Fed Ex is very reliable, but there are always weather issues and possible equipment failures to consider. Your specimen will be perfectly safe in the shipping tank for up to 10 days.


    Good luck,

    Scott
    CCB
  • SkornickeSkornicke Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I will be having IVF in early December and I am looking to purchase vials within the next two weeks. So far my favorite donors only have IUI premium samples available. I know that my procedure will be in my doctor's office. I see that you recommended ICI premium over IUI premium for another patient in a similiar scenario. I am interested in knowing why. Is it superior to IUI premium samples in IVF or was it for the money savings?

    Thank you,

    Stephanie
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,547
    Hi Stephanie -

    IUI Premium is completely fine for an IVF procedure. It will cost you a little more than an ART vial, but if it is the right donor I think it is well worth it.

    To answer you other question...If your physician is planning to wash the specimen in his/her lab, then you would order an ICI (unwashed) vial. Most physician charge a fee for the wash, so you are not generally saving any ordering an ICI vial for an IUI.

    Good luck,

    Scott
    CCB
  • AMOUYAMOUY Posts: 5
    If I order a vial and I keep checking my charts and I dont ovulate when I get the package. Can i return it for storage ?
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,547
    Hi Amouy -

    Sure. Just be sure to contact Client Services to open a storage account. Keep the tank sealed and make sure it arrives back to us within 7 days of us sending it out. The prepaid shipping is for 2-Day Economy, so if you are running out of time you may want to upgrade to Priority Overnight.

    If possible, you are better off having your physician store it for your next cycle. Otherwise you will end up having to pay for a 30 day storage and shipping twice.

    Good luck,

    Scott
  • npapadimosnpapadimos Posts: 1
    My clinic automatically washes the sperm for us, and recommended that we get ICI instead of IUI for that reason. However, a lot of the donors we like only have IUI available. Is it better to go with ICI in our case simply for the cost savings, or will we also have a higher chance of success if we use ICI?
  • jalajala Posts: 142
    If you rewash an IUI vial it could very well lower the total motile count below the guarantee and recommended standards so you would be ineligible for a refund on the vial. I would advise ICI vials or insist they do not re-wash but up to you!
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,547
    Hi All -

    Jala is correct. Re-washing an IUI vial is not a good option. Either stick to a donor with ICI available, or simply insist that your doctor not do the wash. The wash is a lab procedure that you will generally be charged for, so there really isn't a savings in the big picture.

    Good luck!

    Scott
    CCB
  • Jmatos1021Jmatos1021 Posts: 1
    Why are some donor only have ICI vials?
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,547
    Hi J -

    Vial availability varies per donor. It is possible for a donor to be sold out of one type, but still have another available.

    Happy holidays!

    Regards,

    Scott
    CCB
  • rissarena11rissarena11 Posts: 1
    Hi,
    My girlfriend and I are wanting to do an at home insemination. what vial would be best for that? Do at home inseminations have a good success rate?
    Thank you,
    Rena
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,547
    Hi Rena -

    ICI vials are recommended for an at-home insemination because they contain seminal fluid that help the sperm travel to the uterus.

    You will need a medical professional to sign the authorization form before you can ship specimen to your home. While some clients have been successful doing at-home inseminations, we recommend consulting with a physician.

    Regards,

    Nicole
    CCB
  • MillerMiller Posts: 1
    Can You Just Go To An Obgyn or does it matter where you go to?
  • cryo-admincryo-admin Posts: 4,547
    Hi M -

    Some OBGYNs perform donor inseminations and others may refer you to a fertility specialist. I would recommend starting out with a visit to your OBGYN.

    Regards,

    Nicole
    CCB
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