hopefull2009:
How much SMP are you adding? Do you have a measurement roughly that might help me gage what to try? Like for 2 ml of semen would it be 1/4 tsp or something? Thanks, the reason I ask was cause it didn't work for me the last time I tried SMP. Appreciate the help!
As a general rule I use about 1/8 tsp per 2 ML.... what I do is take my plastic sieve and sprinkle a VERY think layer of the SMP over the shot glass that holds the sample. I do this 2-3 times until all of the SMP is used. The reason that it do it this many times is that it is way easier to mix the SMP. It is better not to have any clumps so it does take some time to make sure that it is all mixed. (Just stir it gently in circle 8s the reason for this is I have found that if there are many bubbles on the top the EW will not float) You may need more or less depending on how well it mixes I would start out with maybe 1/4 tsp and work my way down.
Also, when you are pouring the sample into the Test Tube try not to get any on the sides of the test tube as this will make it look like the EW has sunk when it really hasn't.
I used to think that you would not be able to see the sperm if you put too much SMP but as long as you push the slide cover down you can see them without a problem.
Good Luck and feel free to ask any questions!!!