Use of automated imaging and analysis technology for the detection of aneuploidy in human sperm.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the precision and accuracy of an automated cell counting system when applied to counting aneuploidies in sperm samples.


METHODS
Prospective pilot study.


METHODS
Andrology clinic and research laboratory in a university teaching hospital.


METHODS
Ten anonymous sperm donors of known fertility and two patients seeking infertility treatment.


METHODS
Semen samples were processed for detection of aneuploidies for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y with use of fluorescent in situ hybridization. The detection of chromosome aneuploidy was performed both by manual counting and by the use of an automated cell counting system with manual review of aneuploid sperm.


METHODS
Semen samples were judged for the percent aneuploidy for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y when counted manually or with the use of the automated cell counting system and review by a technician.


RESULTS
The sperm aneuploidy rates determined by the automated cell counting system and careful review were comparable with those obtained by manual counting by a trained technician.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary data demonstrate that automated cell counting devices may be useful in increasing productivity in aneuploidy detection in sperm and may become an alternative to the labor-intensive manual counting by technicians.
Carrell
Douglas T
DT
Andrology and IVF Laboratories, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA. douglas.carrell@hsc.utah.edu
Emery
Benjamin R
BR
D000782:Aneuploidy; D001322:Autoanalysis / Q000379:methods*; D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13 / Q000235:genetics; D002887:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 / Q000235:genetics; D002891:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 / Q000235:genetics; D041321:Chromosomes, Human, X / Q000235:genetics; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y / Q000235:genetics; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000379:methods*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement