ABB Andrology key terms

A laboratory examination of a fresh ejaculate that measures volume, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and other parameters to assess male fertility potential and reproductive tract function.

The number of spermatozoa per unit volume of semen, usually reported in millions per milliliter, determined by counting in a calibrated chamber or by automated analyzer.

The proportion of spermatozoa in an ejaculate that show movement, graded by progression (rapid, slow, non-progressive, immotile) to reflect functional capacity for reaching the oocyte.

The evaluation of sperm head, midpiece, and tail shape under stained microscopy to identify normal forms and defects associated with impaired fertilization ability.

A morphology classification system that requires spermatozoa to meet exact size and shape limits for head, midpiece, and tail before being scored as normal.

A precision counting chamber with a defined grid depth and area used to enumerate spermatozoa in a diluted sample and calculate concentration per milliliter.

The spontaneous conversion of a coagulated ejaculate into a liquid state after collection, typically within 15 to 30 minutes, required before accurate analysis.

The total quantity of ejaculate collected, measured in milliliters, which reflects accessory gland secretion and is affected by collection completeness and abstinence interval.

The period of sexual abstinence before semen collection, which influences volume, concentration, and motility and must be recorded to interpret results.

The complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, confirmed by examination of a centrifuged pellet, indicating obstructive or non-obstructive causes.

A reduced sperm concentration below the reference limit in the ejaculate, classified as a quantitative abnormality of semen quality.

A condition in which the proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa falls below the reference limit, reflecting abnormal sperm shape.

The proportion of living spermatozoa in a sample, assessed by dye exclusion or membrane integrity tests, especially useful when motility is very low.

A vital staining method in which dead spermatozoa take up eosin dye while live cells exclude it, allowing calculation of the viable sperm percentage.

The enumeration of non-sperm cells such as leukocytes and immature germ cells in semen, used to detect inflammation or spermatogenic disturbance.

An elevated concentration of white blood cells in semen above the reference threshold, suggesting genital tract inflammation or infection.

A cytochemical test that identifies neutrophils in semen by detecting peroxidase enzyme activity, distinguishing leukocytes from immature germ cells.

Laboratory processing of semen to separate motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa from seminal plasma and debris for use in assisted reproduction procedures.

A sperm selection technique in which layered colloidal gradients separate motile and normal spermatozoa from dead cells, leukocytes, and seminal debris by density.

A sperm preparation method in which motile spermatozoa migrate from a washed pellet into overlaid culture medium, yielding a fraction enriched for progressive motility.

An automated system that tracks sperm motion by video imaging to measure concentration, motility, and kinematic parameters such as velocity and linearity.

The release of hydrolytic enzymes from the sperm acrosome after binding to the zona pellucida, enabling penetration and fusion with the oocyte membrane.

The attachment of capacitated spermatozoa to the oocyte's outer glycoprotein coat, a functional test of sperm fertilizing capability.

The degree to which sperm DNA is intact and properly packaged, assessed by fragmentation assays because damage can impair fertilization and embryo development.

A functional assay in which spermatozoa with intact membranes swell in a hypo-osmotic solution, indicating viability when motility is absent.

A pituitary glycoprotein hormone that stimulates Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis in the testis, measured to evaluate male hypogonadism and infertility.

A pituitary hormone that stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, used with FSH to classify central versus testicular causes of hypogonadism.

The principal androgen produced by testicular Leydig cells, measured in serum to assess androgen status, with levels varying by time of collection.

A glycoprotein secreted by Sertoli cells that suppresses pituitary FSH release and serves as a marker of spermatogenic activity in the testis.

A clinical state of deficient testicular androgen production or impaired spermatogenesis, classified as primary (testicular) or secondary (central) based on hormone patterns.

The process of sperm cell development from spermatogonia through meiosis and differentiation into mature spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules.

The set of routine procedures that monitor and verify that laboratory test results meet defined performance standards during daily operations.

The broader program of policies, audits, and monitoring activities designed to ensure that laboratory processes consistently produce reliable and accurate results.

An external program in which a laboratory analyzes unknown samples and compares results with peer laboratories to verify competency and identify systematic error.

A statistical measure of relative variability, calculated as the standard deviation divided by the mean, used to express the precision of repeated measurements.

An assisted reproduction procedure in which a single selected spermatozoon is injected directly into the cytoplasm of a mature oocyte to achieve fertilization.

An assisted reproduction technique in which oocytes and prepared spermatozoa are combined in culture medium so fertilization occurs outside the body.

The controlled freezing and storage of spermatozoa or reproductive tissue in liquid nitrogen to preserve viability for future fertility treatment.

A substance added to cells before freezing that reduces ice crystal damage and osmotic stress, protecting spermatozoa during cooling and thawing.

The clinical procedure of collecting mature oocytes from ovarian follicles, typically by ultrasound-guided aspiration, for use in assisted reproduction.

A documented, unbroken record of specimen handling that tracks each transfer, ensuring identity and integrity of samples used in donor or legal contexts.

Documented voluntary agreement by a patient or donor after receiving information on risks, benefits, and use of specimens in treatment or research.

The practice of applying unique, verifiable identifiers to specimens and containers at collection and at each processing step to prevent misidentification.

Infection control practices treating all blood, semen, and body fluids as potentially infectious, requiring gloves, protective barriers, and safe handling procedures.

The set of containment principles and practices designed to protect laboratory personnel, the public, and the environment from biological hazards.