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semen analysis

Indications: - evaluation of infertility - evaluation of retrograde ejaculation Reference interval: - pH: 7.2-7.8 [1], 8-9 [2] - volume: 2-5 mL - fructose: positive - sperm count: 2-10 million/mL - sperm motility: > 50% - sperm morphology: > 14% normal forms Clinical significance: 1) pH: a) may be increased with infection of the prostate, seminal vesicle or epididymis b) may be decreased with obstruction in the ejaculatory ducts or when the semen consists largely of prostatic fluid 2) causes of low volume a) ductal obstruction b) retrograde ejaculation c) lack of abstinence 3) fructose may be negative with ductal obstruction 4) sperm motility: - may be decreased with toxins, sperm pathology 5) sperm morphology: prognostic for fertility [2] Notes: - if the test is abnormal, it should be repeated [2]

Related

semen

Specific

spermatozoa in semen; sperm count viscosity of semen

General

special chemistry test

References

  1. Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 510-511
  2. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, 16 American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009, 2009

Components

hyaluronan sperm binding test spermatozoa in semen; sperm count spermatozoa morphology in semen spermatozoa motile in semen spermatozoa velocity in semen