Comparison of different counting chambers using a computer-assisted semen analyzer

Comparison of different counting chambers using a computer-assisted semen analyzer

Nanni Peng, Xiangli Zou, and Lingwei Li

Reproductive Medical Center, People’s Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

A routine computer-assisted sperm analysis is an important diagnostic test in the andrology laboratory. To evaluate the accuracy and precision of the  different types of counting chambers for human semen analysis in combination with a computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA), a quality-control study that  compared human sperm analysis results obtained using different counting chambers (Makler chamber, disposable 8-cell GoldCyto chamber, disposable  4-cell Leja chamber, a plain glass slide, and a tissue culture dish cover with a 2424mm2 coverslip) in conjunction with the CASA systems was performed.  Significantly higher counts of sperm concentration were obtained from the reusable Makler chamber than from the other counting chambers. Sperm motility  from drop loaded counting chambers was significantly higher than that of capillary-loaded chambers. A plain glass slide and a tissue culture dish cover used  with a coverslip showed rather better performance in semen assessment. Disposable chambers are suitable for routine semen analysis with CASA in a  diagnostic andrology setting. With the proper workflow and quality control, a plain glass slide and the tissue culture dish cover are acceptable alternatives for  routine counting chambers with CASA as necessary. The type of counting chamber should be specified in test reports.

doi: 10.3109/19396368.2015.1063175