Semen Analysis Flashcards by Jannine Mikaela

It is an admixture of spermatozoa suspended in secretions from the glandular tissue of the male genital system

Normal semen

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This originates from the prostate gland and gives semen its characteristic odor

Preliminary Fraction

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It originates from the seminal vesicles, testes, epididymis and partially from the prostate gland.

Main Fraction

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It is formed by secretions of seminal vesicles and is entirely gelatinous in consistency, with large number of immotile spermatozoa

Terminal Fraction

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It is clear secretion of Cowper’s or Litter’s glands and contains proteins with moderately viscous consistency

Pre – Ejaculatory Fraction

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They contain majority
of the spermatozoa

preliminary fraction and main fraction

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This refers when pregnancy is never achieved by the patient

Primary infertility

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Refers to when a patient at least had one prior pregnancy

Secondary infertility

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What are the four fractions of ejaculate?

Pre-Ejaculatory Fraction
Preliminary Fraction
Main Fraction
Terminal Fraction

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What is the main prostatic enzyme that can be found in the semen?

Acid phosphatase

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What does ICSI mean?

Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection

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These are procedures in order for patients to have a chance for fertility

ICSI = Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (Male)
IVF= In-Vitro Fertilization (Female)

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It is the cutting, tying, or sealing of the vas deferens in order to prevent sperm cells from entering to the urethra

Vasectomy

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It contains enzymes that breaks down the outer membrane of egg shells

Acrosome

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4-5 um and where energy for motility is generated

Mid piece

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It protects sperm against extra cellular injuries

Plasma membrane

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How long is a human sperm cell?

70 um long

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50%, Contributes to alkaline levels of semen, half of the volume of the semen.

Seminal vesicles

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20%, Contributes to slightly acidic levels.

Prostate glands

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It contains citric acid, flavin, fructose and K for nutritional support

Seminal vesicles

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Storage; where mature &
immature sperm cells wait

Epididymis and
Vasa deferentia

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Where Sertoli cells are located;

Seminiferous
tubules

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Where spermatogenesis is being
channeled; support &
nourishment of sperm happens

Sertoli Cells

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Sperm formation is estimated to be how long?

74 day process

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Terminology: No spermatozoa in semen

Azoospermia

Terminology: Semen volume <1.5 ml

Hypospermia

Terminology: No semen volume

Aspermia

Terminology: normal semen volume

Normospermia

Terminology: Semen volume >6.0 ml

Hyperspermia

Terminology: Red blood cell present in semen

Hematospermia

Terminology: Leukocytes present in semen

Leukospermia

What is the normal range for immature forms in semen analysis?

<2%

What is the normal range for fructose in semen analysis?

1+ to 4+

What is the normal range for epithelial cells in semen analysis?

None to few

What is the normal range for bacteria in semen analysis?

None

What is the normal range for penetration in semen analysis?

>30 mm

What is the normal range for RBCs in semen analysis?

None

What is the normal range for Leukocytes in semen analysis?

None to occasional

Non-specific agglutination and results to accessory gland infection

Sperm to non sperm elements

Site specific agglutination and results to anti sperm antibodies

Sperm to sperm agglutination

Absence of sperm. Seen in abnormal spermatogenesis, ejaculatory dysfunction or obstruction

Azoospermia

Abnormally lower sperm concentration

Oligospermia

Abnormally elevated sperm concentration

Polyzoospermia

It is rare and may be cause by a long period of abstinence. Can also be associated with sperm of poor quality.

Polyzoospermia

It is the most important predictor of the functional aspect of spermatozoa

Motility

What are the causes of Asthenospermia?

- Inherent defects of sperm - Artifactual – spermicides, lubricants, or rubber condoms - Prolonged Abstinence Periods - Genital Tract Infection- Inherent defects of sperm - Artifactual – spermicides, lubricants, or rubber condoms - Prolonged Abstinence Periods - Genital Tract Infection

Habitual Factor: High intake of soya results in?

decrease sperm density

Habitual Factor: High consumption of tobacco results in?

Decrease sperm density / motility.

Habitual Factor: Consumption of coccaine/marijuana and vaginal lubricant results in?

decrease sperm motility

Habitual Factor: Alcoholism affects?

affects all semen parameters

A pH that is more acidic is caused by?

lactic acid production with high sperm counts (Congenital Aplasia of vasa deferentia and seminal vesicles)

A pH that is more alkaline is caused by?

loss of C02 over time (Reproductive tract infection)

What is the simplest way to measure semen pH

Nitrozine paper

This enzyme is used to evaluate secretory function of the prostate

Acid Phosphatase

This is produced by the seminal vesicle and functions to provide energy for spermatozoa

Fructose

What are the possible causes of low fructose?

Presence of ejaculatory duct obstruction, androgen deficiencies, decreased testosterone levels and azoospermia

Maturation of spermatozoa takes place in the:

Epididymis

Enzymes for the coagulation and liquefaction of semen are produced by the:

Prostate gland

The major component of seminal fluid is:

Fructose

If the first portion of a semen specimen is not collected, the semen analysis will have which of the following? A. Decreased pH B. Increased viscosity C. Decreased sperm count D. Decreased sperm motility

C. Decreased sperm count

Failure of laboratory personnel to document the time a semen sample is collected primarily affects the interpretation of semen:

Viscosity

Liquefaction of a semen specimen should take place within:

1 hour

A semen specimen delivered to the laboratory in a condom has a normal sperm count and markedly decreased sperm motility. This indicates:

Antispermicide in the condom

An increased semen pH may be caused by: A. Prostatic infection B. Decreased prostatic secretions C. Decreased bulbourethral gland secretions D. All of the above

D. All of the above

Proteolytic enzymes may be added to semen specimens to:

Decrease the viscosity

The normal sperm concentration is:

More than 20 million/mL

Given the following information, calculate the sperm concentration: dilution, 1:20; sperm counted in five RBC squares on each side of the hemocytometer, 80 and 86; volume, 3 mL

83 million/mL

Using the same information, calculate the sperm count when 80 sperm are counted in 1 WBC square and 86 sperm are counted in another WBC square

The primary reason to dilute a semen specimen before performing a sperm concentration is to:

Immobilize the sperm

When performing a sperm concentration, 60 sperm are counted in the RBC squares on one side of the hemocytometer and 90 sperm are counted in the RBC squares on the other side. The specimen is diluted 1:20. The: A. Specimen should be rediluted and counted B. Sperm count is 75 million/mL C. Sperm count is greater than 5 million/mL D. Sperm concentration is abnormal

A. Specimen should be rediluted and counted

Sperm motility evaluations are performed: A. Immediately after the specimen is collected B. Within 1 hour of collection C. After 3 hours of incubation D. At 6-hour intervals for 1 day

B. Within 1 hour of collection

The percentage of sperm showing average motility that is considered normal is:

B. 50%

The purpose of the acrosomal cap is to:

Penetrate the ovum

The sperm part containing a mitochondrial sheath is the:

Midpiece

All of the following are associated with sperm motility except the: A. Head B. Neckpiece C. Midpiece D. Tail

A. Head

The morphologic shape of a normal sperm head is:

Oval

Normal sperm morphology when using the WHO criteria is:

>30% normal forms

Additional parameters measured by Kruger’s strict morphology include all of the following except: A. Vitality B. Presence of vacuoles C. Acrosome size D. Tail length

A. Vitality

Round cells that are of concern and may be included in sperm counts and morphology analysis are:

Leukocytes and Spermatids

If 5 round cells per 100 sperm are counted in a sperm morphology smear and the sperm concentration is 30 million, the concentration of round cells is:

1.5 million

Following an abnormal sperm motility test with a normal sperm count, what additional test might be ordered?

Eosin-nigrosin stain

Follow-up testing for a low sperm concentration would include testing for:

Seminal fluid fructose

The immunobead test for antisperm antibodies: A. Detects the presence of male antibodies B. Determines the presence of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies C. Determines the location of antisperm antibodies D. All of the above

D. All of the above

Measurement of α -glucosidase is performed to detect a disorder of the:

Epididymis

A specimen delivered to the laboratory with a request for prostatic acid phosphatase and glycoprotein p30 was collected to determine: A. Prostatic infection B. Presence of antisperm antibodies C. A possible rape D. Successful vasectomy

C. A possible rape

Following a negative post vasectomy wet preparation, the specimen should be: A. Centrifuged and reexamined B. Stained and reexamined C. Reported as no sperm seen D. Both A and B

A. Centrifuged and reexamined

Standardization of procedures and reference values for semen analysis is primarily provided by the:

WHO

Semen Analysis Flashcards

(87 cards)