ABB Andrology case studies
ABB Andrology · Put your knowledge to work in context.
This page is an independent study resource for candidates preparing for certification in andrology laboratory science. It is written for medical technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, and reproductive laboratory professionals who perform semen analysis, sperm preparation, hormone testing, and quality management work in an andrology or assisted reproduction laboratory, and who want structured review before sitting a multiple-choice certification exam. The ABB Andrology case studies are 5 cases and about 2,120 words.
1Post-vasectomy semen analysis with a borderline count
A 42-year-old man submits a post-vasectomy semen sample 14 weeks after the procedure. He reports abstinence of 3 days.
412 words, about 2 min2Sperm preparation choice for a sample with high viscosity and debris
A couple undergoing intrauterine insemination provides a semen sample with these characteristics: volume 4.5 mL, concentration 22 million/mL, total motility 38%, progressive motility 25%, and marked viscosity that does not dissipate after 30 minutes of liquefaction at 37°C. The wet preparation shows abundant amorphous debris and agglutination of approximately 30% of motile sperm.
399 words, about 2 min3Interpreting low testosterone with equivocal repeat values
A 38-year-old man is referred for fatigue and reduced libido. A morning (08:10) total testosterone is 9.1 nmol/L (reference ~10–30 nmol/L) and SHBG is 52 nmol/L (upper-normal).
412 words, about 2 min4External quality assessment failure in sperm concentration
An andrology laboratory participates in an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for semen analysis. In the most recent distribution, the laboratory's reported sperm concentration for a proficiency-testing sample was 48 million/mL; the scheme's assigned value was 62 million/mL, placing the result outside the acceptable limits.
433 words, about 2 min5Consent and disposition of cryopreserved sperm after a patient's death
A 34-year-old man banked sperm before starting gonadotoxic chemotherapy. At the time of banking, he signed a consent form that stated the specimens would be held for 'the depositor's future use' and did not address posthumous disposition, partner use, or destruction timelines.
464 words, about 2 min