BACKGROUND
Automated semen assessment using the SQA-V / Vision requires a pre-defined sample volume to be aspirated into the testing capillary in order to generate a full semen analysis report. The volume of the SQA testing capillary is 0.5 ml and this volume provides sufficient statistical representation of the entire ejaculate, resulting in a high level of precision using the automated SQA analyzer.
OVERVIEW
Based on the required semen sample testing volume of 0.5 mL, it is recommended to fill the entire testing capillary with a semen sample without any dilution if the ejaculate volume is >= 0.5 mL. Sometimes though the ejaculate volume may be less than 0.5 mL. The dilution mode of the SQA-V and Vision can be used in this case as follows: If the semen sample volume is >= 0.3 mL, dilute the sample using the QwikCheck Dilution media two times (1:2 or 1+1). For example, 0.3 mL of semen sample is mixed with 0.3 mL of diluent resulting in a volume of 0.6 mL. This will provide an adequate sample volume to aspirate into the SQA testing capillary and the SQA software automatically compensates for the dilution and will provide a full report, no calculations are required by the operator.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the sample volume, M.E.S. recommends the following approach to testing the sample:
• Semen Volume >= 0.5 mL – No dilution is required
• Semen Volume >= 0.3 mL and < 0.5 mL – Dilution 1:2 (1+1) using the QwikCheck Dilution kit
• Semen Volume < 0.3 mL – Manual assessment [microscope or Vision Manual Mode or Vision Semi-automated Mode (10 µL automated testing + 10 µL manual motility assessment)]
REFERENCES
• WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen – 5th ed., WHO 2010.
• SQA-V GOLD User Guide Version 2.60 I-Button
• SQA-Vision User Guide Version 104.13.2