Sperm morphology training in India

Sperm morphology is regarded as possibly the most consistent sperm variable that is related to in vitro and in vivo fertilisation success or failure. There is also a re-emerging awareness of andrology, particularly in developing countries where healthcare resources are often limited. This study aimed to record the importance of hands-on training on the sperm morphology reading skills among 174 Indian infertility workers. During a series of five workshops presented by the Indian Academy of Clinical Embryologists, delegates were requested to record the percentage normal spermatozoa on pre-stained Diff Quick slides. A total of four slides each containing different percentages normal spermatozoa were used during the workshops. The delegates were requested to record the percentage normal spermatozoa prior and after training. The results were expressed as the percentage difference between the reference value and the pre-training and post-training values reported by the workshop delegates. The percentage difference indicated a significant improvement in the reading skills, for example from 253 ± 244% to 20 ± 93% for slide 1. Similar values were recorded for slide 2, 3 and 4. If we consider the present findings as representative of medical laboratory scientist's sperm morphology reading skills, clinicians should be concerned about the diagnostic quality as far as male infertility is concerned.