Precision, reliability and biological variability in human sperm function measured by penetration of zona‐free hamster oocytes

Intra- and inter-technician variability in assessing sperm motility by the methods recently advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) were studied. The intra- and inter-technician variability in estimating sperm concentration and the intra-technician variability in assessing sperm morphology were also examined. Intra-technician variability in assessing sperm motility appeared to be related to the natural ability and/or training of the observer. Although in general the intra-technician variability was low, there were marked and clinically significant differences between observers when assessing the same semen sample. There was no significant difference between observers in the assessment of sperm concentration, and intra-technician variability was low. When assessing sperm morphology, the intra-technician variability was potentially large (above a level of 20% morphologically ideal spermatozoa). Technicians should be recruited who have natural ability as observers. Quality control appears to be an essential exercise for any center that plans to relate semen parameters to fertility outcome.

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Quality Control During the Conventional Analysis of Semen, An Essential Exercise

Dunphy

Kay

Barratt

et al. 1989

Journal of Andrology

100

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The Andrology Laboratory in an Assisted Reproductive Technologies Program

MULLER

1992

Journal of Andrology

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Assuring the highest possible quality of care to the patient is the first goal of the andrology laboratory. Quality control and quality assurance as they apply to the andrology laboratory are outlined, and special problems in quality control for sperm function assays are addressed. An example of the patient review process is presented. Quality of care also depends on the ability of the laboratory to perform appropriate tests of sperm function that can diagnose sperm defects, predict success or failure of in vitro fertilization, and lead to rational therapies for sperm dysfunctions. Methods for, and diagnostic value of, sperm swim‐out, enhanced sperm penetration assays, acrosome reaction assessment, motility analysis of capacitating sperm, and sperm—zona binding assays are reviewed. No single test, other than in vitro fertilization itself, is capable of providing a complete diagnosis or a highly accurate prediction. A battery of sperm function tests, arranged in an algorithm, is presented as a theoretically better approach.

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Endocrinological, Biophysical, and Biochemical Parameters of Semen Collected via Masturbation versus Sexual Intercourse

Sofikitis

Miyagawa

1993

Journal of Andrology

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In clinical programs of assisted reproduction involving infertile males, it is essential to obtain semen of maximum quality. To evaluate ways of achieving this objective, and to assess the fertilizing capacity of the sperm, six semen samples were collected from each of 38 infertile men via masturbation. Six more samples were then collected from each man at sexual intercourse using a semen collection device (SCD). We confirmed that the volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher in samples collected at intercourse than masturbation, as reported previously. In addition, the markers of the secretory function of the prostate and the outcome of sperm function tests (hypoosmotic swelling test, acrosin assay, and sperm penetration assay) were significantly higher for the samples collected at intercourse. There were no significant differences in markers of the secretory function of the seminal vesicles and epididymis between the samples. The improved spermatozoal parameters in the samples collected at intercourse may reflect a higher prostatic secretory function at that time. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of gonadotropins, or in the serum or seminal plasma concentrations of testosterone, before or after masturbation or sexual intercourse. Therefore, the differences in prostatic secretory function and semen parameters may not be attributed to differences in hormonal levels. Semen collection during intercourse using an SCD appears to be the method of choice for selecting semen samples for artificial insemination.

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Precision, reliability and biological variability in human sperm function measured by penetration of zona‐free hamster oocytes

Cited by 4 publications

References 7 publications

Quality Control During the Conventional Analysis of Semen, An Essential Exercise

Quality Control During the Conventional Analysis of Semen, An Essential Exercise

The Andrology Laboratory in an Assisted Reproductive Technologies Program

Endocrinological, Biophysical, and Biochemical Parameters of Semen Collected via Masturbation versus Sexual Intercourse

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