The density of human semen and the validation of weight as an indicator of volume: a multicentre study.
Reprod Biol
; 10(2): 141-53, 2010 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20668505
ABSTRACT
A multi-centre study was undertaken to a/ determine the density of human semen, and b/ assess the validity of measuring semen volume either volumetrically or gravimetrically. Semen samples from four clinical categories (azoospermia following vasectomy, azoospermia without vasectomy, oligozoospermia (<20x10(6)/ml) and normozoospermia (>/=20x10(6)/ml)) had similar densities (one-way ANOVA F(3,180)=1.25, not significant), being close to 1.0 g/ml when taken to one decimal place. Measurement of semen volume was then made with either a graduated pipette or by weighing and assuming a density of 1 g/ml. A comparison of the two methods gave an excellent correlation, with a gradient of 1.0571 and a coefficient of determination (R(2)) of 0.98 (p<0.0001). However, it was noted that the aspiration of the ejaculate in to a graduated pipette underestimated the volume by approximately 0.2 ml, but in an inconsistent manner making the use of a set correction factor inappropriate. The estimation of volume to one decimal place by weighing the collection container before and after ejaculation, assuming a density of 1 g/ml, would seem to be a viable alternative although the density of a small number of samples may deviate from this assumption. Whilst the relatively small underestimation of volume with a pipette is unlikely to have clinical significance, the known reporting of inaccurate results by a laboratory is contrary to the philosophy and key principles of quality management.
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Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Sêmen
/
Contagem de Espermatozoides
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
Limite:
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Reprod Biol
Assunto da revista:
MEDICINA REPRODUTIVA
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Austrália