| 摘要 |
In order to simply and safely transport a sample of semen, the semen is mixed and diluted with a dual sugar (sucrose and glucose) extender in a ratio of up to 10:1 (v/v) by inducting the semen into a semen storage device, e.g., a large volume syringe, having extender therein and optionally disposed within a form-fitting, radiation blocking, sleeve. The semen storage device is placed on a support member located on the floor of a rigid foamed plastic container. A refrigerant containing a solid foam coolant is placed in the container at a level that is higher than the semen sample, and the container is closed using a lid having a central boss that fits snugly into the mouth of the container. The lid has a continuous ridge that fits into a recess formed in the upper edge of the container. The closed container is then placed in a light weight double-walled cardboard box that exhibits considerable structural strength, increases the insulation, absorbs ambient moisture and protects the rigid foamed plastic container during transit. In the case a thermoregulating plate is disposed between the refrigerant and the semen sample, a cooling rate achieved by the present invention is no more than about 0.20° C./min, preferably about 0.10° C./min, and most preferably about 0.01° C./min, over a temperature range of about 38° C. to about 5° C., preferably from about 15° C. to about 5° C. The optimum transport temperature of the semen sample during transport is preferably about 5° C. to about 10° C., most preferably about 7.5° C. to about 8.5° C. As an alternative to the thermoregulating plate, it is possible to interpose a bag or container of thermal ballast, e.g., water or a gel-like fluid, between the semen sample and the refrigerant or dilute the sample with sufficient extender that the spermatozoa are covered with a layer of liquid that is sufficiently thick as to protect them from thermal shock.
|
