title: Accuracy of the normal sperm morphology value by Sperm Quality Analyzer IIC: comparison with the strict criteria.
abstract: The aim of the present study is to investigate the accuracy of the normal sperm morphology value by Sperm Quality Analyzer IIC (SQA IIC), which was developed to provide a rapid and low-cost quantitative evaluation of semen quality. Normal sperm morphology was assessed using SQA IIC in comparison with that by the strict criteria in 62 semen samples. Normal sperm morphology value by SQA IIC was based on the studies of three traditional sperm parameters from over 4000 fresh, untreated semen samples, while the strict criteria was based on the method by Kruger et al. The mean +/- SD of percent normal morphology by SQA IIC and the strict criteria were 37.6 +/- 10.9% (range 15-52) and 19.9 +/- 8.2 (range 1-34), respectively. There was a significant correlation of the sperm morphology assessment between the two methods (r=0.454, p < 0.001). Using the cut-off value of >30% normal morphology by SQA IIC, the positive predictive value and the negative predictive value of the 'normal' strict criteria were 79.6% (39/49) and 46.2% (6/13), respectively. These results indicate that SQA IIC might be used as an initial screening test for the evaluation of sperm morphology. However, sperm morphological assessment by the strict criteria should be performed in order to make decisions in planning strategies for the treatment of infertile couples.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical School, Kawachi-gun, Tochigi, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shibahara
authors.forename: Tatsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Hiromi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Obara
authors.forename: Yuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hirano
authors.forename: Tamaho
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Onagawa
authors.forename: Akiyo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taneichi
authors.forename: Satoru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Takamizawa
authors.forename: Ikuo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sato
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology