title: [Inter-and intra-operator variability in the analysis of semen parameters: results from a quality control program].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Semen analysis is a key part of male infertility investigation. The necessity of quality management implementation in the andrology laboratory has been recognized in order to ensure the reliability of its results. The aim of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-individual variability in the assessment of semen parameters in our laboratory through a quality control programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four participants from the laboratory with different experience levels have participated in this study. Semen samples of varying quality were assessed for sperm motility, concentration and morphology and the results were used to evaluate inter-participant variability. In addition, replicates of each semen sample were analyzed to determine intra-individual variability for semen parameters analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average values of inter-participant coefficients of variation for sperm motility, concentration and morphology were 12.8%, 19.8% and 48.9% respectively. The mean intra-participant coefficients of variation were, respectively, 6.9%, 12.3% and 42.7% for sperm motility, concentration and morphology. Despite some random errors of under- or overestimation, the overall results remained within the limits of acceptability for all participants. Sperm morphology assessment was particularly influenced by the participant's level of experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present data emphasize the need for appropriate training of the laboratory staff and for regular participation in internal quality control programmes in order to improve the reliability of laboratory results.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie et Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Tunisie.
authors.forename: Salima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Daoud
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie et Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Tunisie.
authors.forename: Nozha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chakroun-Feki
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie et Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Tunisie.
authors.forename: Afifa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sellami
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie et Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Tunisie.
authors.forename: Leila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ammar-Keskes
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie et Biologie de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Tunisie.
authors.forename: Tarek
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rebai
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D059232:Laboratory Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D011786:Quality Control; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Internal quality control; concentration; morphology; motility; semen analysis