Vial Types

Sussex 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.

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 the most commonly used vial type.

ICI Vials

ICI vials are less common because they are harder for donors to produce. These samples are not washed to remove the seminal fluid and other cells. Instead, these semen samples have only cryoprotectant added to help the sperm cells survive the freezing process. This minimal processing means the semen sample must have exceptional quality without any further processing. As a result, fewer donors are able to provide these types of samples, and you will see fewer of these types of vials available for purchase.

ICI vials can be used for any insemination type, same as IUI vials. However, a healthcare professional will need to wash these samples before being used in an IUI or IVF procedure.

Fast facts about ICI Vials

ICI vials are sold in 1.0ml volumes with a guarantee of 15million motile sperm cells.
ICI vials can be used for all insemination procedures, but a healthcare specialist will need to wash the samples before use in an IUI procedure.

ART and ICSI Vials

ART vials are a specialized type of vial with a lower number of motile sperm cells in comparison to standard IUI and ICI vials. These are both washed and unwashed ART vials, but with fewer total motile cells than other standard 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 ART vials

IUI ART vials are sold in 0.5ml volumes with 4-9 million motile sperm cells.
ICI ART vials are sold in 0.5ml volumes with 5-14 million motile cells.
ART vials can be used for all treatment procedures, but we recommend you speak with your healthcare team before purchasing these for your treatment.

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.

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

We recommend you speak with your healthcare team before purchasing these for your treatment.