Accuracy and prognostic value of computer-assisted (IVOS) sperm morphology evaluations

Date
1999
Authors
Coetzee K.
Kruger T.F.
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Objective: We systematically investigated the critical aspects determining the performance and in vitro predictive value of the Hamilton Thorne Research semen analyzer (IVOS, dimension system). Design: Repeat normal sperm morphology evaluations were performed. Semen samples to be used in our gamete intrafallopian tube transfer (GIFT) program were prospectively evaluated. Setting: Reproductive Biology Unit. Subjects: Liquefied semen samples from patients attending our Andrology and assisted reproduction laboratories. Interventions: Liquified semen samples were washed once and stained using Diff-Quik stain. The standard Tygerberg GIFT procedure was followed with all supernumerary oocytes inseminated and cultures. Outcome measures: Normal sperm morphology outcomes were produced using the IVOS, according to the strict criteria. The repeat measures performed were, cell- cell, intra-slide, inter-slide and inter-laboratory. Fertilization in vitro and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. Results: The predictive probabilities for an abnormal or a normal cell given two prior abnormal or two prior normal cell outcomes was 95% and 94% respectively. The average coefficients of variation obtained for the intra-slide trial was 9.73% and for the inter- slide trial it was 15.39%. The average inter-laboratory coefficients of variation obtained ranged between 16.3% and 23.1%. The logistic regression model showed that the normal sperm morphology outcomes recorded were significantly associated with fertilization in vitro and pregnancy. Analyzing the data across the 5% normal sperm morphology cut-point; fertilization rates of 39.4% (?5%) and 62.9% (>5%) and pregnancy rates of 15.2% (? 5%) and 37.4% (>5%) were obtained. Conclusion: The IVOS used produced a level of repeatability, precision and accuracy acceptable for routine application in assisted reproduction setting.
Description
Keywords
accuracy, analyzer, article, computer assisted diagnosis, diagnostic value, evaluation, fertilization in vitro, human, human cell, morphology, prognosis, reproducibility, semen analysis
Citation
Middle East Fertility Society Journal
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