Characterization of a computerized semen analysis system.
In the present studies we have evaluated the optimal operating conditions for the Hamilton-Thorn HTM-2000 computerized semen analyzer (Hamilton-Thorn, Danvers, MA). The best reproducibility in measurement of sperm concentration was obtained using 20 frames acquired at 19 frames/s. The measurement of sperm concentration was not adversely affected by the number of fields analyzed. The intrasample and intersample coefficients of variation for sperm concentration were 9.5% and 25.5%; sperm motility, 18.4% and 28.9%; lateral head displacement, 16.5% and 19.9%; path velocity, 6.8% and 13.9%; progressive velocity, 4.5% and 9.9%; and linear index, 2.5% and 4.2%; respectively. These differences suggest that sampling error has a significant influence on the reliability of sperm evaluation. The precision and rapidity of the HTM-2000 compares favorably with data previously reported from other systems available for clinical semen analysis.
Pedigo
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Kentucky Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington 40536.
Vernon
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MW
Curry
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D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology