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| Resources > Newsletters > The Andrology Laboratory at GENESIS |
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| The Andrology Laboratory at GENESIS |
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Computer Assisted Semen Analysis
Technologists at GENESIS perform computer assisted semen analyses (CASA) using the Hamilton Thorne CEROS system. The CEROS uses the latest computer technology to count cells and perform detailed analysis of sperm cell movement. From this test, we can tell how many sperm are present, how many appear normal and how many are moving. The normal semen parameters established by the World Health Organization are:
| - Volume |
1.5-5.0 ml |
| - Sperm Density |
≥20 million sperm/ml |
| - Motility |
≥50% |
| - Morphology (WHO) |
≥60% normal forms |
| - Morphology (Kruger strict) |
≥4% normal |
| - Forward Progression |
2+ (scale 1-4) |
| - Viscosity |
1+ (scale 1-3) |
| - White blood cells |
0-5 per high power field |
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WHO and Kruger (Strict) Morphology
Morphology refers to the shape of the sperm cells. Normal, functional sperm have a very specific size and shape to the head, midpiece and tail. Very low percentages of normal morphology can have significant effects on the ability of sperm to fertilize the egg. Our laboratory provides both standard and strict assessments of sperm morphology. |
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Semen Washing by Density Gradient Separation
By exploiting the difference in density of motile live sperm from that of non-motile sperm or other cell types, the most highly motile fraction of the sample can be isolated. This motile fraction (85% motile or more) is used for intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization procedures. |
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Cryopreservation of Semen
There are many reasons to cryopreserved semen samples. This may be done routinely for couples undergoing therapy, or for fertility preservation in men planning chemotherapy or radiation for certain types of cancer. The laboratory offers short and long term storage options. |
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Post Ejaculatory UrineTesting
This test is required for certain men with azospermia. If retrograde ejaculation is found, certain techniques for recovery will maximize the viability of the recovered sperm, allowing them to be used during certain fertility therapies. |
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Seminal Fructose Testing
Fructose in semen originates from the seminal vesicles, and the presence of fructose in semen is a marker of normal seminal vesicle function. The seminal vesicles produce an alkaline secretion that contributes the majority of the semen volume. To detect seminal vesicle occlusion or atresia, a fructose test is ordered for patients with low semen volume (≤1 ml) and/or abnormal seminal pH. The test for seminal fructose is semi-quantitative. Results are reported as "present" for fructose concentrations in the normal range and "absent" for abnormally low levels (≤13 mmol/ejaculate). A negative fructose test is reported, for example, in men with congenital absence of the vas deferens. |
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Antisperm Antibody Assay
Men may develop autoimmunity to sperm following urogenital surgery - most commonly vasectomy - or testicular injury. As a consequence, their sperm are coated with antisperm antibodies (ASA), which reduce sperm functional capacity. Women also may produce ASA that coat the sperm within the female reproductive tract. Both the class of immunoglobulin involved and the location of the antibodies on the sperm surface have diagnostic significance. The immunobead assay is used to detect IgG, IgA and/or IgM ASA on sperm or in the serum of female patients. This assay also detects the region of the sperm to which the ASA are directed. This assay can be ordered for female serum (indirect ASA assay) or for male sperm (direct ASA assay). |
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Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA)
The test uses a flow cytometer to determine the percentage of sperm with high levels of DNA fragmentation. High levels of DNA fragmentation are associated with a reduction in pregnancy rates and an increase in miscarriage. One of the uses of this test is to detect occult male factor problems that may warrant the use of IVF with ICSI to overcome infertility. |
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| The Andrology Laboratory staff is committed to providing referring physicians with accurate and timely results. Our laboratory provides testing services 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To ease the process of ordering semen testing, please call to request our ordering pads, which contain full ordering information. |
| February 2006 |
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