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HelpTest ID MSTC1 Strict Criteria Sperm Morphology for Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment, Semen
Ordering Guidance
Additional Testing Requirements
Conventional semen analysis (FER / Semen Analysis, Semen) should be performed in conjunction with each strict criteria sperm morphology.
Shipping Instructions
Send specimen Monday through Friday
Necessary Information
Sperm count/mL is required (million/mL).
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Patient should have 2 to 7 days of sexual abstinence at the time of semen collection for accurate results.
Container/Tube: Slides
Specimen Volume: 2 slides-10 microL of liquefied semen on each slide
Collection Instructions:
1. If sperm concentration is <10 million/mL, centrifuge the specimen at 300 x G for 10 minutes before making slides.
2 Label 2 frosted slides in pencil with the patient's first and last name and the date of specimen collection. No adhesive labels.
3. Allow the semen to liquefy for 30 minutes.
4. Place 10 mcL of liquefied semen on the label end of each slide, and evenly smear the specimen using a plain slide (this process is the same as making a blood smear).
5. Allow the smears to air dry for 15 minutes before placing both slides into 1 slide holder for shipment.
Secondary ID
35184Useful For
Diagnosing male infertility
Selecting the most cost-effective therapy for treating male-factor infertility
Quantifying the number of germinal and WBCs per mL of semen
Method Name
Kruger Criteria Strict Morphology
Reporting Name
Strict Sperm Morphology, SlideSpecimen Type
SemenSpecimen Minimum Volume
A minimum count of sperm is needed; lab will determine
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Semen | Ambient | |
Clinical Information
Infertility affects 1 out of 6 couples of child-bearing age. Approximately 40% of infertility cases have a female-factor cause and 40% have a male-factor cause. The remaining 20% of infertility is due to a combination of male- and female-factor disorders or is unexplained.
Abnormalities in sperm morphology are related to defects in sperm transport, sperm capacitation, the acrosome reaction, binding and penetration of the zona pellucida, and fusion with the oocyte vitelline membrane. All of these steps are essential to normal fertility.
Strict criteria sperm morphology testing greatly assists with selecting the most cost-effective in vitro sperm processing and insemination treatment for the couple's in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Sperm with severe head abnormalities are unlikely to bind to the zona pellucida. These patients may require intracytoplasmic sperm injection in association with their IVF cycle to ensure optimal levels of fertilization are achieved. This, in turn, provides the patient with the best chance of pregnancy.
Reference Values
Normal forms: ≥4.0%
Germinal cells/mL
<4 x 10(6) (normal)
≥4 x 10(6) (elevated germinal cells in semen are of unknown clinical significance)
WBC/mL
<1 x 10(6) (normal)
≥1 x 10(6) (elevated white blood cells in semen are of questionable clinical significance)
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
89398