Develpment f Autmatin in Semen Analysis Matt Tmlinsn PhD Cnsultant Scientist in Reprductin Nttingham University Hspital University f Nttingham Msc Assisted Reprductin Scientific Directr Prcreative Diagnstics Ltd
Andrlgy Labratry what des it d? Cmprehensive service Diagnstic semen analysis (fertility care pathway) Pst vasectmy testing (effectiveness f surgery) Fertility preservatin (sperm banking) Patients - chemtherapy, surgery High risk ccupatin armed frces, security Dnrs Assisted Cnceptin Artificial inseminatin (partner, dnr) Testing sperm quality
The prblem behind the slutin Semen Analysis - Prly reprducible/time cnsuming Sperm Cncentratin Mean 53 millin/ml Range <20 - >80 millin/ml 50% away frm target Achieve different diagnses/treatment ptins??? NEQAS Natinal External Quality Assurance Scheme
The prblem behind the slutin Sperm Mtility Prgressin Grade a Grade b >25µ/sec >5µ/sec <25µ/sec
The ptential slutin Recgnitin f a prblem (lw risk) Cnsistent training acrss sectrs Pathlgy and IVF Accreditatin?? Cst effective/prprtinate t risk Applicable t IVF industry AND pathlgy Autmatin Reductin f the human factr
Autmated semen analysis in Nttingham - Asad Naeem PhD Dept Cmputer Science University f Nttingham Multi-parameter Tracking Algrithms The Early days NUH Fertility Unit Reprting database Applied these algrithms t EQA vide
Sperminatr The Early days
Autmatin Sperm Cunts Objective 1. Apply multi-target tracking algrithms t a larger ppulatin f sperm frm the micrscpe Digital recgnitin f sperm frm vide Fixed depth chamber 20µm Fixed area/vlume Prvides answer in millins/ml Objective 2. Assess sperm swimming speeds frm 1 secnd vide D/T Length x breadth x depth = vl
Prblem 1. Seminal fluid desn t always just cntain sperm Eliminate Leuccytes Germinal cells Cell debris Epithelia Autmatin Sperm Cunts Use an Editing step
Autmatin Cunt and Mtility Simultaneus assessment - cunt, mtility, average velcity Clur cded sperm tracks - accrding t mtility grade Manpwer saving 15 mins per sample (average)
Autmatin Quality Assurance Semen Analysis - Mre than just numbers Original vide Tracked vide
Fr the patient and the clinic Similar results Acrss staff in same centre Between centres (regins, cuntries) Efficiency, Manpwer Average service 1500 tests pa (10 weeks technician time) Hard cpy (images, vide) Clinical value Autmatin The benefits Natural cnceptin Assisted cnceptin (AI, IVF) Frzen/thawed sperm assessment
Autmatin The benefits Fr the Trust Financial Ryalties IP use f staff cst effective and quality semen analysis Reputatin as an innvatr Opens drs fr research Testing culture media sperm txiclgy crypreservatin
1. IP disputes Frustratin/Stumbling Blcks Lack f clarity in the NHS Trust IP plicy (where was the incentive?) Clarity where there is NHS Trust and University verlap Delayed prgress and investment SOLVED by persnal investment in an IP lawyer 2. Business expertise within the rganisatin Apprpriate expertise and directin (innvatin hub) Flexibility with business mdel VC investment/business angel/sales frce Btstrapping ( friends, family, fls ) frwned upn R&D prvided limited resurces (6 mnths) then pulled ut
Frustratin/Stumbling Blcks 3. Research Ethics Understanding f risk in research Brief risk assessment/rapid decisin making 4. Time Management Running a business alngside day jb (NHS, University) Tax, VAT, bk-keeping, marketing, selling Develpment wrk, R&D investment
Summary Semen analysis in general Prly reprducible/time cnsuming Reduced clinical value/variable service quality t users Autmatin Reduce errr between staff/centres/regins/cuntries Reduces uncertainty/imprve clinical value/help research Develpment Frustratin IP plicy Resurces within the rganisatin fr develping an idea Apprpriate business advice
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