Developing techniques for determining sperm morphology in today's andrology laboratory.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate three areas: the staining of spermatozoa; the Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA); and the variability of technicians.


METHODS
Staining experiment: sperm from 15 beef bulls were randomized to one of three staining protocols. CASA experiment: slides were evaluated using the Integrated Visual Optical System and compared to technician results. Variability of technicians: five laboratorians analyzed the same set of 20 slides six different times.


RESULTS
Staining experiment: the size of the sperm increased in proportion to increased time and heat associated with each successive protocol. CASA experiment: coefficient of variation ranged from 18.3 to 101.7% (12 slides). Variability of technicians: the mean sperm morphology results ranged from 7.3 to 15% normal forms.


CONCLUSIONS
Until laboratories adhere to the universal standard set by the World Health Organization to evaluate sperm morphology, a laboratory must rely on its own quality control to insure repeatable results.
Graves
Jennifer E
JE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, South Carolina 29605-5601, USA.
Higdon
H Lee
HL
Boone
William R
WR
Blackhurst
Dawn W
DW
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011897:Random Allocation; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods