Rapid microcomputer-based analysis of semen characteristics from photographs taken by the MEP method

Use of a microcomputer with the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method for rapid analysis of semen characteristics is described. The computer is programmed to calculate information fed from a digitizing tablet while scanning projected images of photographed sperm. In this way sperm concentration, percentage of motility, average velocity and frequency distribution of sperm velocity, as well as percentage of abnormal forms are immediately obtained. The method was found to be as accurate, less prone to error, and significantly less time consuming than the previous manual measuring method. It can greatly facilitate routine semen analysis in laboratories using the MEP method.