[Comparison of four methods for sperm counting].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy and precision of 4 methods including Hemacytometer, Makler chamber, Cell-VU chamber, and computer-aided semen analysis for determining sperm concentration.


METHODS
Latex bead solutions with concentrations known as (35 +/- 5) x 10(6)/ml and (18.0 +/- 2.5) x 10(6)/ml and semen samples (n = 54) were counted by the above 4 methods and the results were then compared.


RESULTS
Mean bead concentrations for Hemacytometer, Makler, Cell-VU chambers and CASA were (44.84 +/- 4.86), (52.36 +/- 7.78), (39.70 +/- 4.76), (28.53 +/- 2.06) x 10(6)/ml respectively for the standard solution containing (35 +/- 5) x 10(6)/ml, and (21.04 +/- 1.87), (24.54 +/- 3.67), (19.09 +/- 2.02), (14.62 +/- 0.95) x 10(6)/ml respectively for a standard solution containing (18 +/- 2.5) x 10(6)/ml. The results of Cell-VU chamber were consistently similar and close to the standard solutions, while those of Hemacytometer, Makler chambers were overestimated, and those of CASA were underestimated. The coefficients of variation for Hemacytometer, Makler, Cell-VU chambers and CASA were 10.81%, 14.86%, 12.80%, and 7.22% respectively for a higher standard solution, while 8.89%, 14.96%, 10.58%, and 6.50% respectively for a lower standard solution. CASA has the lowest CV%. When semen samples were counted, the results of Hemacytometer, Makler, Cell-VU chambers and CASA were (76.98 +/- 59.90), (63.89 +/- 53.84), (45.28 +/- 34.52), (41.96 +/- 31.93) x 10(6)/ml respectively. There wasn't any significant difference either between Cell-VU chamber and CASA (P = 0.71), or between Hemacytometer and Makler chamber (P = 0.14), while there was significant difference between Cell-VU chamber or CASA and Hemacytometer or Makler chamber (P < 0.05 or P <0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
When counting semen sample, there wasnt any significant difference between Cell-VU chamber and CASA. Each laboratory can select its own proper method for manual or computer-aided analysis.
Hu
Yu-an
YA
Laboratory of Reproduction & Genetics, Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Command, PLA, Jiangsu, China.
Lu
Jin-chun
JC
Lu
Nian-qing
NQ
Shao
Yong
Y
Huang
Yu-feng
YF
D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000175:diagnosis; D011786:Quality Control; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000379:methods*; D013081:Sperm Motility