Analysis of selected sperm samples by a computer-assisted system with high frame rate: A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology and andrology
• Sperm analysis techniques
• Assisted reproductive technologies

Background:

• Manual sperm analysis faces limitations in accurately assessing rapidly motile selected sperm.
• High frame rate computer-assisted sperm analysis (HFR-CASA) presents a potential solution for improved accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the application of HFR-CASA (85 Hz) in sperm selection.
• To compare the accuracy of HFR-CASA with the manual method for analyzing selected sperm parameters.

Main Methods:

• 177 semen samples underwent sperm selection using density gradient centrifugation.
• Selected sperm parameters (concentration, motility, progressively motile sperm - PR) were analyzed using both manual methods and HFR-CASA.
• Quality control for sperm concentration was performed using microballoons; HFR-CASA accuracy was validated through repeated analysis of two samples.

Main Results:

• HFR-CASA demonstrated reliable quality control for sperm concentration via microballoon analysis.
• The manual method significantly underestimated sperm concentration and overestimated motility and PR compared to HFR-CASA.
• Discrepancies in manual assessment were concentration-dependent, with no correlation in PR for concentrations >20 × 10^6/mL.

Conclusions:

• HFR-CASA is a more accurate method for analyzing selected sperm parameters than traditional manual assessment.
• The findings support the use of HFR-CASA for precise evaluation of sperm quality in fertility settings.