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Reproducibility of computer-aided semen analysis: comparison of five different systems used in a practical workshop
Study Objectives:
To assess a single (donor) sample by the use of five computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems.
Setting:
British Andrology Society advanced course on computer-assisted semen analysis techniques, September 1992.
Participants:
Clinical, technical and scientific personnel with mixed experience of CASA techniques, but all interested in semen assessment technology.
Results:
22 sets of data, comprising 6 commonly derived parameters, from the same sample were obtained using five CASA systems. The coefficients of variation for sperm concentration (29%) and proportion motile (24%) were comparable to those previously reported for manual assessments. For all parameters, "within system" variability was considerably greater than "between system," indicating that differences in sample handling and operator expertise were more significant sources of variation than the CASA systems themselves.
Conclusions:
Emphasis on operator training and standardization of sample handling techniques would enhance the reproducibility of CASA measurements more than improvements in the CASA systems themselves. There was evidence, however, that the CASA measurements were more consistent than equivalent manual measures, and also provide information about the quality of sperm motility which cannot be obtained by alternative techniques.