Convenient biochip to allow accurate semen analysis at home

According to Hu Wen-tsung, a professor at NTU's Institute of Applied echanics, although five different types of semen test kits for household use have been invented around the world, most of them can only measure sperm concentration, and some require the use of a microscope for the analysis.

The new invention, created through the use of microfluidic technology, however, is easier to use and produces more accurate results, Hu said.

To conduct the test, users are required to let fresh semen sit for 30 minutes before dropping the specimen onto the biochip, Hu said.

The method can precisely measure the sperm count per milliliter of semen, as well as the mobility of the sperm, without the need for a microscope or a hospital visit, he said.

With the research team having already spent five years completing the development of the sperm-counting technology alone, the device's prototype is expected to be produced next year, paving the way for its market debut in December 2011, Hu went on, adding that he envisages the biochip being sold in pharmacies and convenience stores to make the product as easily accessible to consumers as pregnancy test kits.

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