Learn More About Bedford Spar/HIV

Specimens collected through SPAR are currently tested for use in two methods of conception: in vitro fertilization (IVF) and Oligospermia Cup (from Milex).

Specimens are not prepared for use in intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures because it is the opinion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that IUI with sperm from an HIV infected male has not been proven safe, and because Bedford scientists have concerns about the possibility of rare, undetected HIV-infected cells being placed directly into the uterus.

It is important to remember that SPAR is designed as a clinical trial. The current protocol calls for sperm cryopreserved from two specimens with an undetectable viral burden for each conception attempt, and for the female partner to have herself tested for HIV-antibody at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following each and every pregnancy attempt.

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