Computer-aided semen analysis: sperm concentration assessment by the Strömberg-Mika system

Area of Science:

• Andrology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Medical Technology Evaluation

Background:

• Accurate sperm concentration measurement is crucial for male fertility assessment.
• Automated semen analysis systems aim to improve efficiency and objectivity.
• The Strömberg-Mika Cell Motion Analyser (SM-CMA) is a device for sperm analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy, precision, and specificity of sperm concentration measurements using the SM-CMA.
• To determine the necessity and impact of operator correction on SM-CMA results.
• To compare SM-CMA performance with manual and semi-automated counting methods.

Main Methods:

• Sperm concentration measurements were performed using the SM-CMA.
• Uncorrected and operator-corrected data were analyzed.
• Precision, repeatability, and reproducibility were assessed.
• Specificity was evaluated by examining the instrument's ability to correctly classify spermatozoa.
• Results were compared to manual and semi-automated counting techniques.

Main Results:

• The SM-CMA generally underestimates sperm concentration without operator correction.
• Internal precision of the SM-CMA is excellent, but repeatability is affected by sperm concentration, sample homogeneity, and data correction.
• Operator correction using the 'mouse'-driven option improves accuracy, reproducibility, and specificity, especially at low sperm counts.
• The SM-CMA demonstrated an inability to correctly classify certain spermatozoa without technical correction, particularly at low concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The SM-CMA requires additional laboratory time for operator-corrected measurements.
• Corrected sperm counts obtained with the SM-CMA are comparable to manual and semi-automated methods.
• The SM-CMA provides valuable motility characteristics not available with traditional methods, aiding andrologists in fertility assessments.