AUBF Sperm/Semen Analysis

• The purposes of Semen Analysis include Fertility Testing, Post-vasectomy analysis, and Forensic/Medico-Legal cases.
• Testes contain Seminiferous tubules which produce sperm cells (5%).
• Epididymis is the site where sperm cells mature.
• Testes and epididymis secretions contribute to 5% of the total semen volume.
• Seminal vesicles produce the majority of the fluid present in semen (60-70%).
• Fluid from seminal vesicles contain fructose.
• Prostate gland contributes 20-30% of the semen volume.
• Prostate gland produces acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc and proteolytic enzymes responsible for its normal liquefaction.
• Bulbourethral glands contribute 5% of the total volume.
• The Zinc and Citric Acid Test reflects the secondary function of the prostate gland and adequacy of prostatic fluid.
• Routine aerobic and anaerobic cultures and tests for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum are most frequently performed in the post-vasectomy analysis.
• The presence of >1 million leukocytes per millimeter in semen indicates infection within the reproductive system, frequently the prostate.
• Normal values for Zinc should be greater than or equal to 2.4 umol per ejaculate.
• Vasectomy reversal is called Vasovasostomy.
• Specimens should be tested for sperm within 2 hours or frozen to prevent fructolysis.
• Normal values for Alpha-glucosidase should be greater than or equal to 20 mU per ejaculate.
• Normal levels of sperm for Seminal Fructose Screening test is >13umol per ejaculate.
• Vas Deferens is cut to block ejaculate (no sperms) in a vasectomy.
• The L-Carnithine and Alpha-Glucosidase Tests are used to detect epididymal function disorder.
• Normal values for Citric Acid should be greater than or equal to 52 umol per ejaculate.
• If 2 WBC squares were used in the Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber (WHO), the sperm concentration would be multiplied by 100,000.
• The Makler Counting Chamber for sperm concentration counts sperms in seminal fluid undiluted and immobilizes them through heating.
• The sperm concentration in the Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber (WHO) is calculated by multiplying the number of sperms counted by a factor, which is determined by the number of RBC squares used.
• Sperm motility is evaluated in a wet preparation, where seminal fluid is spread on the slide.
• Decreased pH may be associated with increased prostatic fluid, ejaculatory duct obstruction, or poorly developed seminal vesicles.
• Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber (WHO) for sperm concentration uses a WBC pipet and diluents such as formalin, sodium bicarbonate, or cold distilled water.
• The normal value for sperm count is > 40 million/ejaculate.
• If 5 RBC squares were used in the Improved Neubauer Counting Chamber (WHO), the sperm concentration would be multiplied by 1,000,000.
• The fluorescence technique under UV light is another method for detecting sperm.
• The Florence Test is a test for CHOLINE, derived from the prostate which functions to inhibit bacteria, using reagents such as Iodine or potassium iodide.
• The Acid Phosphatase test is a method for detecting sperm.
• Barbiero’s Test is a test for SPERMINE, produced by the prostate to inhibit bacteria, using reagents such as Picric acid / Trichloroacetic acid.
• The Immunobead test is a more specific test that can detect IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies against a specific area of the sperm cell.
• Medico-legal cases, including rape cases, require microscopic examination for the presence of sperm, which yields the best results when enhanced with xylene and examined under phase microscopy.
• As the sperm die off, only the heads remain and may be present for 7 days after intercourse.
• Prostatic ACP testing, Seminal glycoprotein P30 (PSA), and ABO blood grouping and DNA analysis are more specific tests that can be performed to detect the presence of seminal fluid.
• The Seminal Fructose Screening Test assesses the function of the seminal vessels and is usually done if the sperm count reveals AZOSPERMIA (absence of sperm), using Resorcinol-HCl as reagent.
• Motile sperm can be detected for up to 24 hours after intercourse, while non-motile sperm can persist for 3 days.
• Normal volume for seminal fluid is 2-5ml.
• Consistency of seminal fluid can range from watery to gel-like.