Final - Andrology

Question 1

Andrology

Answer 1

• branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the male reproductive system

Question 2

Basic functions of the andrology laboratory

Answer 2

• an andrology laboratory typically deals with samples from patients who are experiencing infertility

Question 3

Conditions under which semen samples should be collected for analysis

Answer 3

• anyone who is having trouble conceiving should have a semen analysis done
• patients should exercise sexual abstinence (no ejaculation) for 2-3 days but no more than 7 and no less than 1 day prior to collection
• recommended technique is masturbation (without lubricants) at the laboratory facility in a collection container. It can also be retrieved through intercourse via a special condom
• Exact time of collection and whether any portion of sample was lost must be noted. Analyses must be within one hour but preferably as soon as liquifaction is complete

Question 4

Semen analysis

Answer 4

• liquifaction
• viscosity
• volume
• color
• pH
• agglutination
• WBCs
• membrane integrity test
• membrane function test
• RBCs
• fructose
• sperm motility
• sperm count
• sperm morphology

Question 5

Normal values for:
Liquifaction
Viscosity
Volume
Color 
pH

Answer 5

• 10-20 min after ejaculation
• semen thread = 3-5 cm
• 1-6 mL
• grey-to-white opalescent fluid
• 7.2 - 8.0

Question 6

Normal values for:
WBCs
Membrane integrity test
Membrane function test

Answer 6

• < 5 WBC/HPF (high power field)
• indicator of anti-sperm antibodies
• epididymal -> ejaculated -> capacitated

Question 7

Normal Values of Sperm Motility

Answer 7

Total motility: > 40 %
Progressive motility: >32%
Antibody-like motility (immobilizing): <5%

Question 8

Normal Values of Sperm Count

Answer 8

Concentration: > 20 million/mL
Total Count: > 40 million/ ejaculate
Total motile count: > 20 million

Question 9

Normal Values of Sperm Morphology

Answer 9

• best parameter of semen analysis to indicate a possible fertilization defect
  Head: 4-5 um long x 2-3 um wide
  Tail: 45 uL long
  Midpiece: no remnant of cytoplasm

WHO criteria: > 30% normal
Kruger’s or Strict Criteria: > 14% normal
WHO 5th: > 4% normal

Question 10

Sperm Antibodies

Answer 10

• increase agglutination, decrease motility and viability
• decrease fertility
• caused by: testicular infection, vasectomy, harm to testicles, varicocele (enlargement of veins along the spermatic cord)