Accuracy of computer-assisted semen analysis in prefreeze and post-thaw specimens with high and low sperm counts and motility.

摘要

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the accuracy and precision of computer-assisted semen analysis (CASAs) to determine whether variations in the CASA results were related to the type of analyzer or to the type of specimens analyzed. METHODS: Semen specimens were analyzed manually and by CASA before freezing and after thawing. Multiple ejaculates (220 semen specimens) from normal healthy donors (n = 8) and 131 semen specimens from 57 patients with cancer were assessed. RESULTS: The differences between CASA and manual sperm counts and percent motility were higher in prefreeze and post-thaw specimens at sperm concentrations of less than 20 x 10(6)/mL. The differences between CASA and manual results were significant for cancer patients, compared with normal donors (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CASA results are unreliable at sperm counts of less than 20 x 10(6)/mL and post-thaw motility is generally underestimated by CASAs.