Computer-aided evaluation of assessment of "grade a" spermatozoa by experienced technicians.
OBJECTIVE
To determine how well technicians assess progressively motile spermatozoa.


METHODS
Comparison of computerized and technician assessments of "grade a" spermatozoa.


METHODS
University fertility clinic.


METHODS
Infertile men of barren marriages.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Threshold velocities of spermatozoa categorized as "grade a."


RESULTS
The ability of andrology technicians to distinguish "grade a" from "grade b" spermatozoa was examined monthly. Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) provided the threshold velocities used by technicians to categorize "grade a" spermatozoa. The mean cutoff value for grades a/b (25.5 microm/s) was close to the designated velocity, but the cutoff for grades b/c sperm (9.9 microm/s) was higher. Cutoff values for "grade a" spermatozoa were significantly, positively, and linearly related with the mean velocity of spermatozoa obtained by CASA, and deviated from it in a systematic way. The percentage of "grade a" spermatozoa judged by technicians was poorly correlated with the percentage "grade a" indicated by CASA and the cutoff velocity of "grade a" spermatozoa depending on the overall sperm quality of the semen sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Consideration should be given to replacing the subdivision of progressing spermatozoa into two categories with one of progressive spermatozoa, or the use of CASA to distinguish "grade a" sperm reliably should be insisted upon.
Cooper
Trevor G
TG
Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster Münster, Germany. TrevorG.Cooper@ukmuenster.de
Yeung
Ching-Hei
CH
D033441:Andrology / Q000592:standards*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000592:standards*; D011786:Quality Control; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*