Comparison of three computer methods of sperm head analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Analysis of sperm heads using three different computer morphometrical tools and experimental conditions to find a more reliable and secure strategy among them.


METHODS
Controlled experiments on sperm morphology analysis from volunteers.


METHODS
Laboratory of microscopy and imaging processing.


METHODS
Ten human semen samples donated by different zoospermic men.


METHODS
Semen samples were collected by masturbation after > or =72 hours of abstinence.


METHODS
Spermatozoon head morphology was compared by the use of different video-microscopy systems, three computer programs, and various staining conditions and manipulation by different operators. Nonbiological material in the form of latex beads was also used.


RESULTS
The data obtained suggest that the semiautomatic computer program is the most reliable and secure method for performing sperm analysis, besides the fact that it is a fast process compared with manual methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer systems of sperm analysis should incorporate a step of interactive object identification to work properly, allowing the operator to confirm or correct possible computer misidentification. The latex beads were used to confirm the capability of all three computer programs to correctly evaluate nonbiological material.
Goulart
Ariadne Rodrigues
AR
Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Laboratório de Microscopia e Processamento de Imagens, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
de Alencar Hausen
Moema
M
Monteiro-Leal
Luiz Henrique
LH
D001331:Automation; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D012984:Software; D013077:Sperm Head / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013997:Time Factors