Investig Clin Urol.  2019 Sep;60(5):380-387. 10.4111/icu.2019.60.5.380.

Validation of a smartphone-based, computer-assisted sperm analysis system compared with laboratory-based manual microscopic semen analysis and computer-assisted semen analysis

• Cheon WH
• Park HJ
• Park MJ
• Lim MY
• Park JH
• Kang BJ
• Park NC

• KMID: 2455966
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/icu.2019.60.5.380

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a portable smartphone-based system for computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) compared with the results of manual microscopic semen analysis (SA) and laboratory-based CASA for self-evaluation of semen parameters by a male partner.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From July 2017 to February 2018, a total of 28 samples were analyzed for concentration and motility with a smartphone-based CASA system and the results compared with those from laboratory-based CASA and manual microscopic SA with a Makler Counting Chamber (SEFI Medical Instruments, Israel).
RESULTS
Sperm concentration and motility measured with the smartphone-based CASA system were positively correlated with the microscopic-based results. Likewise, sperm motility calculated with smartphone-based CASA was positively correlated with the laboratory-based CASA results. These results suggest that the smartphone-based CASA system can be used for clinical semen diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
A portable smartphone-based CASA system can play a role in motivating infertile males to visit clinics, thus resulting in early diagnosis and treatment with cost-effectiveness. The device can be used for easy follow-up on a screening basis by the male partner before visiting a clinic for fertility evaluation or by infertile males after receiving medical management. Additionally, future software advancements and post-marketing consumer surveys will make possible wider applications, including assessment of sperm morphology, in the coming future.

Keyword

Infertility, male; Semen analysis; Smartphone

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Diagnostic Self Evaluation
Early Diagnosis
Fertility
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Infertility, Male
Male
Mass Screening
Semen Analysis*
Semen*
Smartphone
Sperm Motility
Spermatozoa*
Treatment Outcome

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Devices and components for the smartphone-based computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. (A) Photo of the SEEM® kit with instructions for use, sperm analysis device, semen transfer device, QR code sheet to download the application for operating, and disposable built-in counting chamber with objective lens and cover glass. (B) The technique for observing the semen sample using smartphone-based CASA. After a drop of semen (black arrow) is placed under the covered glass of the built-in sperm-counting chamber, the black-colored lens portion of the chamber is put on the front lens of the smartphone. (C) Sample screenshot of the captured test results of a semen sample with concentration and motility.

• 

  Fig. 2 Scatter diagram and regression analysis comparing manual microscopic semen analysis with the Makler Counting Chamber and laboratory-based computer-assisted semen analysis (L-CASA) for sperm concentration (A) and sperm motility (B).

• 

  Fig. 3 Scatter diagram and regression analysis comparing manual microscopic semen analysis with the Makler Counting Chamber and smartphone-based computer-assisted semen analysis (S-CASA) for sperm concentration (A) and sperm motility (B).

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  Fig. 4 Scatter diagram and regression in comparing between manual microscopic semen analysis with laboratory-based computer-assisted semen analysis (L-CASA) and smartphone-based CASA (S-CASA) in the sperm concentration (A) and sperm motility (B).

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