New chip could pick healthier sperm for IVF

NCT ID NCT03085433

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a microfluidic chip that gently separates healthy, motile sperm from semen without harsh chemicals. Researchers compared it to the standard spinning method in 393 couples undergoing IVF for unexplained infertility. The goal was to see if the chip leads to higher-quality embryos on day 3 of development.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Microfluidic sperm sorting device
What this could lead to: If successful, this device could become a standard, gentler way to select sperm for IVF, potentially improving embryo quality and pregnancy chances.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial, but the improvement in embryo quality may not translate into higher live birth rates. The device may not work for all types of male infertility.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

infertility disorder male infertility

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

EMBRYO QUALITY FERTILITY DISORDERS INFERTILITY INFERTILITY UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY, MALE SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94158, United States

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