Evaluation of semen parameters by means of automated sperm motion analyzers

Fresh semen specimens from 46 patients and donors were evaluated for concentration, motility, velocity, and linearity using two different commercially available computerized sperm motion analyzer systems. Although no significant differences in measurement of concentration or motility were observed, significant differences in velocity and linearity were recorded. Fourteen cryopreserved/thawed samples were assessed with the same set-up parameters as fresh specimens. When discrepancies between manual and computer counts were noted, the authors changed the set-up parameters and evaluated 33 additional specimens. Again, no differences in concentration and motility, but significant differences in velocity and linearity were observed. Interlaboratory results must be correlated and standardization of set-up parameters of various analyzers is essential.