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Stability of the hypoosmotic swelling test over time
B S Shanis1, J H Check, A Bollendorf
1Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Medicine/Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden 08053.
Archives of Andrology
|November 1, 1992
Summary
The hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test is generally reproducible for assessing sperm viability. However, its dependability may decrease with longer time intervals between tests, particularly after 270 days.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Sperm Function Tests
Background:
- Sperm function tests like sperm count, motility, and hamster oocyte penetration (SPA) show variability.
- The hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test is another measure of sperm viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the temporal stability and reproducibility of the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test.
- To determine if HOS test results fluctuate significantly over time.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed HOS test results from 444 patients with multiple tests.
- Categorized patients based on time intervals between HOS tests (0-90 days to >2 years).
- Used paired t-tests and correlation analysis to compare HOS scores over time.
Main Results:
- The HOS test demonstrated good reproducibility with minimal fluctuation across most time intervals.
- A significant decrease in mean HOS scores was observed in the >2 year group and when comparing the first and third tests after 270 days.
- HOS test results classified as normal or subnormal did not show significant changes over longer intervals.
Conclusions:
- The hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test is a reproducible measure of sperm viability.
- While generally stable, the HOS test may become less dependable for assessing sperm function over extended periods exceeding 270 days.