OPINION: Objective semen analysis: has the target been reached?*

Abstract

Objectivity in assessing critical sperm characteristics such as concentration, motility and morphology, has been the target of many systems and devices. Methods based on physical principles such as turbidimetry, spectrophotometry, laser Doppler technology, are too imprecise or technically too complicated to be applied routinely in the laboratory. Microscopic images providing photographical, cinematographical or video data acquisition followed by manual or computer-assisted image analysis (CASA) suffer from practical and/or device deficiencies, making them tedious and time-consuming, or unreliable because of confounding factors and uncontrolled artefacts. A single-step computer system using visual evaluation of the microscopic field and manual tracking of sperm movement yields more reliable results, but technician expertise remains essential for correct performance. The scientific basis of multiple errors in semen aspiration, chamber quality, data acquisition and analysis is given. Biased interpretations of results or incorrect handling of statistical data are criticised.

CASA as an aid to selecting sperm suspensions for artificial insemination in Callithrix jacchus

“…These pipettes are thought to introduce a signi®cant underestimation in sperm concentration because of adherence of semen to the tip of the pipette during dilution (Comhaire et al, 1992). These pipettes are thought to introduce a signi®cant underestimation in sperm concentration because of adherence of semen to the tip of the pipette during dilution (Comhaire et al, 1992).…”

Evaluation of semen for breeding soundness of four different breeds of bull used for artificial insemination

“…The volume, colour and opacity of the semen and presence of any foreign substances were checked according to [7]. The density of the ejaculate reflects sperm concentration, which was expressed with "D".…”

Assessment Of Sperm Quality Analyzer Ii B: Comparison With Manual Semen Analysis And Casa

“…Although computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) supplies quantitative data on sperm kinematic motion, the equipment depends greatly on the training and experience of the user. Since the machine is also expensive, it is not standard equipment in most laboratories [2,4,7].…”