Quality control of semen analysis
Journal Title: Αρχεία Ελληνικής Ιατρικής - Year 2011, Vol 28, Issue 2
Abstract
Semen analysis is the first step in evaluation of the infertile man. The evaluation of semen parameters is subjective and the quality of the results depends on the method used and the accuracy of the procedure. The semen analysis results on the same sample can vary considerably between different andrological laboratories. A major reason for this variability is the absence of quality control procedures among the various different laboratories. To avoid such discrepancies an andrological laboratory should firstly establish internal quality control procedures, followed by participation in an external quality control scheme. Quality assurance is at the top of the quality control methods. For internal quality control each technician first tests him- or herself in examining all three parameters of semen analysis, which are sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology. The values of the semen parameters are acceptable only when their variation falls within a narrow range. In busy laboratories, where semen analysis is carried out by several different technicians, internal quality control between all the technicians is a necessary procedure, in order to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of the findings. In other words, the results should be independent of the person carrying out the analysis. The andrology laboratory should then participate in an external quality control scheme. The same semen sample is tested by different laboratories and their results are compared; the variation between the laboratories should fall within a narrow range. This ensures that values between different laboratories are comparable. In addition to internal and external quality control is quality assurance, which ensures the best service to the patient and makes sure that treatment of subfertility is accomplished with maximum safety and minimum cost.
Authors and Affiliations
T. ZEGINIADOU, I. VAKALOPOULOS, D. RADOPOULOS, N. SOFIKITIS
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP102713
- DOI -
- Views 80
- Downloads 0
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli-induced alterations in epithelial barrier function<br />
The effects of anxiety and depression on the needs of patients hospitalized with coronary disease
The photochemical damage of DNA and its role in the biological effects <br /> of ultraviolet radiation on the skin
The exposure of human skin to ultraviolet radiation causes a wide range of cellular, biochemical and clinical changes which occur in an immediate or chronic setting. The changes result from complex molecular mechanisms w...
Systematic bias in epidemiological studies
Bias can creep into epidemiologic studies from many directions. Various types of specific bias have been described, but it is helpful to classify bias into three broad categories: selection bias, information bias, and co...
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: Pathogenesis and prevention
Bladder catheterization is the most common risk factor for development of nosocomial infections and Gram negative bacteremia. Virtually all catheterized patients will present with bacteriuria within a month of catheteriz...