Comparison of the various techniques of identifying human spermatozoa morphology

The morphology of 100 subjects' spermatozoa was examined with 6 different methods of identification. Mean results obtained were compared with each other, analyzing variances for two criteria of classification. Analysis of statistics shows that these 6 methods make a heterogeneous group. In particular, observations carried out with phase contrast and with Testsimplets self-colouring slides showed a significantly higher number of anomalies than with other methods. Papanicolau, hematoxylin-eosin and modified Giemsa staining gave an intermediate number of anomalies, which were statistically indistinguishable from each other. Hemaquick rapid staining agents for hematology gave the lowest percentage of anomalies. Differentiated analysis of anomalous heads, necks and tails showed that the 6 methods may differ in their capacity to identify the various anomalies. Given that the percentage of observed normal forms is inversely proportional to the effectiveness of a specific method in identifying anomalies, then it is evident that the choice of method is the decisive factor when defining criteria of normality.