Validation of a single-step procedure for the objective assessment of sperm motility characteristics

A relatively cheap method is described for the objective assessment of sperm concentration and motility characteristics. The method uses a digitizing tablet with cursor, a micro-computer and a phase-contrast or dark-field microscope equipped with a drawing tube. With this technique the following are accurately assessed: sperm concentration, percentage motility, motility grading, concentration of grade a motile spermatozoa, sperm velocity, linear velocity, linearity and angularity. The data are acquired in less than 5 min. Validation studies reveal this method to be accurate, reproducible (coefficient of variation of motility characteristics = less than 7%) and clinically useful.