Automated and manual semen analysis: the comparative characteristics

Currently, spermogram parameters are routine criteria for assessing male fertility. There are two methods of semen analysis: traditional manual and automated. The concentration of spermatozoa of various motility categories is important in predicting physiological conception, as well as in choosing fertilization methods in assisted reproductive technology programs. The introduction of automatic semen analyzers has shown that their use can be considered as an alternative to the routine manual analysis method, which can contribute to laboratory standardization. Initially, these devices demonstrated difficulty in accurately indicating sperm concentration due to the presence of sperm aggregation and large amounts of cellular debris. In the present study, the main focus was on the analysis of sperm concentration by manual and automated methods. A total of 50 sperm samples were analyzed from patients participating in assisted reproductive technology programs. Manual analysis was performed in a Makler's chamber according to the standard method in 10 small squares. The motility of each spermatozoon was classified into categories. Automated analysis was carried out using the CASA sperm analyzer computer analysis system (MICROPTIC, Spain), which uses the principle of microscopic imaging and processing to detect motile and immobile spermatozoa through fast and consistent images. Statistical methods for independent variables were chosen to evaluate the obtained data. As part of the study, by the method of determining confidence intervals, a statistically significant difference was found between automated and standard or manual methods of analysis when evaluating spermatozoa with the highest speed of 0,025 mm/sec and rectilinear and translational movement, as well as with a lower speed, either aging or with broken morphology. Most likely, this is due to the objective difficulty of visual assessment of spermatozoa of such motility categories. The data obtained suggest that automated analysis has a higher degree of objectivity in assessing mobile biological objects, in particular male germ cells.