COMPUTER-ASSISTED SEMEN ANALYSIS IN THE ANDROLOGICAL LABORATORY

Computer-assisted systems for automated semen analysis have been developed to simplify the analysis of spermiograms and to eliminate the subjective influences of the investigator. Such systems are suitable for routine laboratory use only if their results correlate with the results of the conventional spermiogram evaluated by microscopy. We compared the sperm count and motility of 250 patients following analysis with the computer and the microscope. The values for sperm count and total motility evaluated by the computer and the microscope show close correlations, while those for linear and local motility are less closely correlated. The differences can be explained by methodological variations. In general, automated semen analysis appears to be a suitable alternative to the conventional method, even at this early stage of development.