Products > Sperm Function Test Kits > Sperm Morphology

Accurate evaluation of sperm morphology is possible, only when these basic steps are followed.
     (1)           Appropriate preparation of slides & smears
     (2)           Good fixation
     (3)           Proper staining of smears
     (4)           Using suitable magnification
     (5)      Evaluating recommended numbers of microscopic fields and sperms
           
(a)      The glass slide used must be thoroughly clean & dry. In order to obtain thin and even spread sperm smear use recommended ‘Semen Drop’ volume depending on sperm concentration. Use 10-15 µl droplet if the sperm concentration is > 20 million/ml; with concentrations < 20 million/ml, a 5-10µl droplet is recommended.
It is a preferred practice now to prewash the semen sample & adjust sperm concentration. Prewashing of semen sample helps to remove excess seminal plasma and improve sperm concentration.

(b)      The fixation procedure followed is dependent on the staining method employed.  In general, prepare thin semen smear, let it air dry & then fix it in a fixative, which is again air dried.  

(c)      Ideally, modified PAP staining is preferred.  However, Diff-Quik staining is also used because of its simplicity, short staining time & good contrast.

(d)      Magnification of 100x objective (Bright field) lens is preferred for evaluation of stained semen smear.

(e)      With modified PAP staining, acrosome stains as light-blue and the post-acrosomal region of head as dark blue; while mid-piece stains green and tail as red. 

(f)       In Diff-quik staining, acrosome stains as pale purple, while post acrosomal part of head, mid-piece & tail stain as dark purple.  Diff-quik staining results into slightly swollen heads.

(g)      It is recommended to evaluate a minimum of 100 sperms from different microscopic fields. 

(h)      Normal sperm morphology has been shown to be predictive of ‘Male Fertility’ independent of the other semen parameters. Sperms slightly abnormal or borderline forms must be considered as abnormal.

• Store the kit in appropriate conditions as per the instructions given on the package.
• Do not use the kits beyond expiry date given on the package.
• All the reagents are potentially hazardous and it is strictly advised to follow the MSDS instructions.
• All the patients' samples should be treated as potentially infectious. Laboratory personnel are advised to wear protective gloves, face masks, laboratory coats etc while performing the tests.
• Dispose off all the waste generated, during and after the tests, in an appropriate manner as per the governing compliance laws of the land.