What is the difference between an ICI, an IUI and an ART prepared specimen?
ICI and IUI (sometimes referred to as “unwashed” and “washed”) and ART specimens are used for various artificial insemination procedures, with some doctors preferring one preparation method over the other. In most instances, a doctor will recommend washed units for an IUI insemination (intrauterine insemination). The process of making an IUI specimen begins before cryopreservation. The sperm are separated from the seminal fluid by centrifugation and a cryoprotectant is added, creating an IUI specimen. While IUI is most often requested for intrauterine insemination, some doctors wish to wash the specimen themselves, and therefore instruct their client to order ICI (intracervical insemination) specimen to be washed in their office or facility. An ART vial is prepared for an assisted reproductive procedure such as an in-vitro fertilization or an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These vials generally have a lower total motile sperm count as not as many sperm are needed for these ty
