title: Effects of lubricants and wash solutions on semen evaluation in a fertility clinic laboratory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The complex nature of semen components and the various collection procedures make standardization of semen analysis (SA) challenging. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to optimize and improve the quality and utility of the SA report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semen samples (n = 20) were split into 2 aliquots to compare 2 isolation gradients. Samples incubated in the different wash medium were evaluated for motility, forward progression, morphology, and suitability for intrauterine insemination (IUI). Another group (n = 20) was evaluated for IUI utility without and with a lubricant to compare motility and sperm count.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences in motility, forward progression, or morphology with or without a lubricant. With respect to gradient types, PureSperm 40/80 isolated significantly higher yields of motile sperm than the isolate. In comparing wash media, at 2 hours PureSperm was significantly higher in both motility and count compared to Irvine culture media.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study represents a significant advance toward improved applications and methods for SA testing. Continued standardization and improvements in SA will require additional evaluation of lab testing methods.
authors.forename: Jude M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Abadie
authors.forename: Hovey B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Lambert
mesh_terms: D002499:Centrifugation, Density Gradient; D003470:Culture Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007317:Insemination, Artificial, Homologous; D008297:Male; D011786:Quality Control; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000592:standards*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media