Computer‐Assisted Human Semen Analysis Sampling Errors and Reproducibility

Abstract

Videomicrographic computer-automated semen analysis systems allow quantitative description of sperm motility, velocity, progression, and head movement amplitude and frequency with unprecedented ease. The minimum number of spermatozoa needed for stable results, the variability of measurements and optimum methods of sampling the ejaculate were determined for one such system (Cell-Soft, CRYO Resources, New York, NY). Sampling a minimum of 225 spermatozoa yields stable measurements, and analyzing four microscope fields in triplicate provides data with the lowest coefficient of variation. The variability attributable to the instrument itself was acceptable for all measurements (6.2% to 15.4%) except mean amplitude of lateral head displacement. Limitations of these results and the potential utility of videomicrographic sperm movement analysis are discussed.

Computer-aided semen analysis: sperm concentration assessment by the Strömberg-Mika system

“…This study presents the data concerning the accuracy, precision and specificity of the sperm concentration determinations by the SM-CMA system. 'These precautions should have consistently reduced (a) the volume' and sperni-transfer variability usually associated with other types of pipettes (Comhaire et al, 1992) and (b) the time-dependent sperm concentration variations observed when large volumes of semen are used in connection with the Makler chamber (Ginsburg et al, 1988;Yaganida et al, 1990). In the present study we used the same Makler chamber for all experiments.…”

Evaluation of the Hamilton‐Thorn 2030 motility analyser for routine semen analysis in an infertility clinic

“…Measurements were performed around the grid of the Makler chamber starting at the upper left corner. If available, 200 cells in each sample were analysed, because stable results were obtained in a preliminary study after 200 cells had been assessed (unpublished data;and Ginsburg et al, 1988).…”

Reproducibility of Sperm Motility Measurements in Asthenozoospermic and Normozoospermic Individuals Using the Hamilton-Thorn Motility Analyzer

“…At least two representative fields, containing at least 200 motile sperm, were examined because stable results were obtained in a preliminary study after 200 cells had been analyzed in each sample [4]. This measurement was then repeated on each sample 10 times within an 18-min period to determine the reproducibility of the sperm movement parameters.…”