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The SQS is a spermatozoa counter based on flourescence microscopy using high resolution CMOS camera technology, blue light-emitting diode and an advanced image analysis system with new autofocus technology.
This device is a great tool to save time and money in board station laboratories as calculates accurate insemination doses through an analysis of the sperm. Moreover, it uses a web application called SQS LAB filter row data, which compares results and makes intuitive graphics and reports.
Seminal Quality System’s Case
The device is packed in a safe case protected by foam including the tools needed for the analysis listed below. Moreover, having the case is fundamental as it protects the device, and others elements, from handling and unexpected movements.
Includes
SQS Device
SQS Brain
P20 Micropipette
USB to safe data
Once the Seminal Quality System has analyzed your cells, you can check to see which ones were judged to be alive or dead on the touch screen. Green and red colors indicate living and dead cells, respectively.
A separate computer is not needed to the data visualization. Users can see results directly on device.
In addition, there are a few parameters that we would have to take into account:
Configurable Parameters
Dose Volume: quantity in milliliters of the desired final dose.
Desired Sperm: quantity of spermatozoa per dose.
Analysis Dilution: dilution ratio used to prepare the semen sample.
Measured Parameters
Total number of spermatozoa (per ejaculate).
Concentration (millions per ml).
Viability (%).
Tail abnormalities and cytoplasmic droplets (%).
Useful spermatozoa (millions per ml).
Number of Doses.
Extender Volume necessary to the doses
For a more detailed information about the results of the analysis click the button below:
Advanced Accuracy
Extreme precision, accuracy and ease of use.
One step concentration, viability and morphology evaluation in a few minutes.
Autofocus technology for fast and reliable cell counting.
Safe handling and disposal of stained samples thanks to the SQS TEST kit running with the device.
Touch Screen Interface
Stand-alone compact.
Simplify data entry.
Operated by touch screen interface.
Sperm Evaluation results can be monitored immediately on screen.
Automated text file reports with output web-based database software (SQS LAB) for statistics analyses by animal.
On-board Monitoring
On-line Support & Updates.
Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
No cleaning or calibration.
No maintenance.
The SQS TEST contains the reagents and accesories needed in the analysis.
It is a dual staining kit developed by ZoitechLab to be used with SQS analyzers for assessing at the same time sperm viability and morphology in boar. The kit allows the distinction between living and dead sperm cells and abnormal sperm morphology, related to insemination doses provided by the sample analyzed. The results should be evaluated taking into account sperm sample.
Components
Counting Chambers
Test Tubes
User Manual
Material and Equipment not provided
Seminal Quality System (SQS)
Fridge at 15ºC
Plastic gloves
P20 or P100 micropipette
Sperm Sample
Fresh or refrigerated semen samples collected in a sterile recipient
Instructions for use
Previous steps. Processing the sample
Step 1
Take an aliquot of the raw sperm sample and dilute it 1:5 (1 semen + 4 extender volume), or 1:10, in ACROMAX extender (Fig. 1).
Staining and visualization
Step 2
To make each analysis is necessary to use a test tube (TT). Using a micropipette transfer 20μl of the diluted sperm sample to the test tube and mix both gently avoiding air bubbles formation. When cell suspension takes a red/orange color the staining process is completed (Fig. 2).
Step 3
With the tip of the micropipette place a drop of 2μl of the cell suspension close to the border of the disposable counting chamber. The fluid line indicates when to stop the filling process (Fig. 3).
Step 4
Place the counting chamber to the SQS device, and follow the specific instructions for each analyzer to visualize your results.
Each sample only can re-analyze two times before the chamber starts to be dried. After finishing the analysis the chamber cannot be re-used.
As the SQS’ user needs to know how the device works every step of the process will be explained below.
Start
Step 1
To power on the device switch the external power supply, connect the USB and put the antenna in the correct place before pushing the I/Os switch back button. Finally, push the circular green button on the front.
The SQS’ screen will show an initial menu with the following four buttons:
1. Shut-down button. It turns off the device.
2. About button. Shows additonal information about the device and software updates.
3. Settings button. Allows to change the analysis and system configuration as well as the connection of the equipment to the network.
4. Start button. Launches the analysis.
Analysis Configuration
Step 2
If the previous “Settings button” is selected the showed screen will change to the analysis settings screen which allows the configuration of the analysis parameters. It has four possible configurable parameters:
1. Dose Volume. Quantity in milliliters of the desired final dose.
2. Desired Sperm Quantity. Quantity of useful spermatozoa (alive and without abnormal forms) per dose.
3. Analysis Dilution. Dilution ratio used to prepare the semen sample. The recommended dilution depends on the semen concentration of the boar. We suggest to check it before in a bright-field microscope to dilute ranges about 1:5 (1 semen + 4 extender volume) or 1:10 (1 semen + 9 extender volume).
4. Collected Extender. Quantity of extender used in the collection. Normally, it is 100 ml.
In addition, the button called “System Tools” will allow us to change the time and date, language or WIFI configuration.
Analysis
Step 3
The Select Chamber screen will be displayed after pushing the “Start Analysis” button. The user will be able to select the Counting Chamber touching it on the screen. Then, the user will press “Continue” and a confirmation message will be displayed on the screen. After accepting the chamber, the tray will be ejected. The user should insert the slide with the sample on it and press “Ok” to start the analysis.
Finally, a screen to introduce the boar information will be shown. This will be used to generate the report later. Its fields are the following:
1. Ejaculate Volume.
2. Boar ID.
3. Extraction Date. The date format by default is YYMMDD.
4. ID Analysis. It has the same format by default as the date plus three digits at the end, starting every day in 001.
The next step will be pressing “Ok” and the analysis will be performed. The end of the analysis will be achieved when the progress bar shows the 100% and the tray will be ejected. A message will be shown, and the user should press “Accept” to see the Results’ screen.
Results
Step 4
Initially, the user could see different images of the analyzed spermatozoa. This screen will have the following buttons:
1. Left Arrrow.
2. Right Arrow.
3. Repeat Analysis. We recommend to not repeating the analysis more than one more time.
4. View Report. Displays the Analysis Report screen.
Analysis Report Screen
We will see two different tabs: “Analysis Report” & “Abnormal Forms”. The first one shows the main information about the last analysis while the other one shows the percentage of abnormal forms.
In addition, we could see again, if necessary, the “Analysis Configuration” (button 1), go back to the results’ images (button 2), accept the results and go back to the main screen (button 3).
Finally, the samples doses configuration can be modified after finishing the analysis and the last configuration will be the one used by default in the next analysis.