[Eosin and water tests and results of conventional semen analysis]

Semen analysis was performed in 95 men and the results of routine examination were correlated with two sperm viability tests: eosin (TE) and water test (TW). Results of TE and TW were expressed as a percent of spermatozoa revealing a functional integrity of the cell membrane. Linear regression analysis was used. Patients were divided into 3 groups: normozoospermia (n = 46), oligozoospermia (n = 27) and profound oligozoospermia (2-4 x 10(6) sperm/ml). No correlations were demonstrated between viability tests and the sperm number. TE and TW significantly positively correlated with each other in all groups. At normo- and oligozoospermia TE and TW positively correlated with the percent of motile spermatozoa. TW did not show such a correlation in men with profound oligozoospermia. It seems that TE and TW can be used alternatively. TW may be of great importance in men with very low sperm count.