title: Validation of a novel computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system using multitarget-tracking algorithms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the accuracy and precision of a novel computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system by comparison with existing recommended manual methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study using comparative measurements of sperm concentration and motility on latex beads and immotile and motile sperm.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary referral fertility center with strong academic links.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sperm donors and male partners of couples attending for fertility investigations.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Achievement of Accubead target value for high and low concentration suspensions. Repeatability as demonstrated by coefficients of variation and intraclass correlation coefficients. Correlation and limits of agreement between CASA and manual methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CASA measurements of latex beads and sperm concentrations demonstrated a high level of accuracy and repeatability. Repeated Accubead measurements attained the required target value (mean difference from target of 2.61% and 3.71% for high- and low-concentration suspensions, respectively) and were highly reproducible. Limits of agreement analysis suggested that manual and CASA counts compared directly could be deemed to be interchangeable. Manual and CASA motility measurements were highly correlated for grades a, b, and d but could not be deemed to be interchangeable, and manual motility estimates were consistently higher for motile sperm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The novel CASA system was able to provide semen quality measurements for sperm concentration and motility measurements which were at least as reliable as current manual methods.
authors.affiliation: Fertility Unit, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom. mathew.tomlinson@nuh.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Mathew James
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Tomlinson
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pooley
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hopkisson
authors.forename: Kannamanadias
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jayaprakasan
authors.forename: Rajisha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jayaprakasan
authors.forename: Asad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naeem
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pridmore
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods; D011786:Quality Control; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D015983:Selection Bias; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology