Effect on sperm quality from the use of RFID at -196C
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to determine the effect on sperm quality, from the use of RFID tags at -196OC.
IRAS ID
196577
Contact name
Stephen Troup
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The use of frozen material for assisted reproductive purposes is now becoming increasingly popular as current technology now permits gametes (sperm, oocytes) and embryos to be frozen for a variety of reasons including donation, pre- assisted reproduction treatment and, fertility preservation prior to treatment for cancer or other illnesses.
Accurate identification of stored gametes and embryos is of paramount importance ensuring patient treatment is performed correctly. Current identification systems used for the storage of gametes are not optimal and there is a pressing need for a more reliable and accurate systems to be introduced.
Current technology uses purpose-designed RFID tags and readers to electronically identify every container used in treatment. However, it has not been possible to extend the use of this system into the area of gamete and embryo storage which operates at a temperature of approximately -196ºC. Another manufacturer has now developed a more sophisticated RFID tag that has been demonstrated to be effective. Although the frequency of radiation emitted by RFID systems is low and less than that emitted by mobile phones, it still has the theoretical potential to damage samples.
This study seeks to investigate the safety of the use of an RFID tagging system when considering radiation emissions and whether the RFID tagging system can be used safely within the storage facility of an assisted conception centre. This will be demonstrated by examining semen parameters (e.g. sperm motility, viability and levels of DNA damage) of stored samples exposed to the RFID system.
20 donors would be recruited to donate their samples solely for this research project. The samples would be divided into three groups; standard practice, and exposure to active and inactive RFID tags. Tests would be then performed and results compared to determine if any detrimental effect had occurred.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0029
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion