Manual versus computer-automated semen analyses. Part III. Comparison of old versus new design MicroCell Chambers.
OBJECTIVE
To determine accuracy and precision of old and new design MicroCell counting Chambers analyzed manually and with a computer-automated semen analyzer (CASA; Hamilton-Thorn Research, Beverly, MA).


METHODS
Prospective study using comparative measurements of the concentration of latex beads with old and new design MicroCell Counting Chambers (Conception Technologies, Inc. La Jolla, CA).


METHODS
Beads were counted manually and with CASA to evaluate the accuracy of old and new design 20 MicroCell Chambers.


RESULTS
The old design 20 MicroCell Chamber demonstrated a significant difference in bead concentration beginning at the 9.9 mm CASA stage position compared with stage positions of 0.0 to 9.5 mm. The new design 20 MicroCell Chamber demonstrated the same difference at the 8.0 mm CASA stage position compared with stage positions 0.0 to 7.6 mm. Similar findings were observed when the beads were analyzed manually.


CONCLUSIONS
When analyzed within a specific range of stage positions, the old and new design 20 MicroCell Chambers are accurate and precise whether analyzed manually or with CASA.
Johnson
J E
JE
Greenville Hospital System, Reproductive Endocrinology Associates, South Carolina 29605, USA.
Boone
W R
WR
Blackhurst
D W
DW
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000295:instrumentation*