title: [A combined method for weighing human semen volume].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To search for a method for the precise measurement of human semen volume so as to provide reliable evidence for clinical semen analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The volumes of 492 semen samples collected from 137 donors by Zhejiang Human Sperm Bank were measured respectively by three different methods including electronic balance weighing, volumetric cylinder measuring, and combination of the two methods above. With the combined measuring method, the semen weight was first obtained by electronic balance weighing, then the semen density determined by volumetric cylinder measuring, and lastly the semen volume figured out by a formula. Paired sample t-test was used to compared the combined method with electronic balance weighing and volumetric cylinder measuring.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean volume of the 492 semen samples obtained by the combined measuring method was (3.46 +/- 1.17) ml, significantly lower than (3.75 +/- 1.21) ml from electronic balance weighing (P < 0.05) and markedly higher than (3.22 +/- 1.16) ml from volumetric cylinder measuring (P < 0.05). The mean semen density of the 492 samples was (1.0928 +/- 0.0761) g/ml, and the mean weight of the residual semen in the container used in volumetric cylinder measuring was (0.269 +/- 0.122) g.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Semen volume measured by electronic balance weighing is higher while that obtained from volumetric cylinder measuring is lower than the actual value. An accurate semen volume can be achieved by the combined measuring method, which, therefore, deserves to be widely used both clinically and in researches.
authors: Research Institute of Family Planning, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China. zxz20090722@sohu.com
authors: Xin-zong
authors: XZ
authors: Zhang
authors: Kang-shou
authors: KS
authors: Yao
authors: Cheng-liang
authors: CL
authors: Xiong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult