ABB Andrology study guide
ABB Andrology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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 study guide has 6 sections and about 1,662 words.
01Semen Analysis and Semen Evaluation
The semen analysis is a descriptive, probabilistic test, not a fertility diagnosis. Master the WHO-style workflow: abstinence interval (typically 2–7 days), collection completeness, liquefaction within about 60 minutes, and measurement of volume, pH, concentration, total sperm number, motility grades (progressive, non-progressive, immotile), vitality (eosin-nigrosin or hypo-osmotic swelling), morphology (strict or Tygerberg criteria), and round-cell count with differentiation.
282 words, about 1 min02Sperm Function and Sperm Preparation Techniques
Sperm function testing probes what the basic analysis cannot: membrane integrity, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, DNA fragmentation, and capacitation. Understand the physiology behind each assay and its limitations-DNA fragmentation assays (SCSA, TUNEL, comet) measure different things and are not interchangeable.
276 words, about 1 min03Male Reproductive Endocrinology and Hormone Testing
Understand the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: GnRH pulses drive LH and FSH; LH stimulates Leydig cell testosterone production; FSH supports Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis. Know the patterns: primary hypogonadism (low testosterone, high LH/FSH), secondary hypogonadism (low testosterone, low or inappropriately normal gonadotropins), and the distinction between total and free testosterone (SHBG, albumin binding).
268 words, about 1 min04Andrology Laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Distinguish quality control (QC), which monitors each run, from quality assurance (QA), the broader program including proficiency testing, audits, training, and corrective action. Know internal QC tools: control materials, replicate counts, monthly means, Levy-Jennings charts, and Westgard-style rules.
290 words, about 1 min05Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratory Procedures
Understand the andrology lab's role in ART: semen preparation for intrauterine insemination, IVF, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), plus surgical sperm retrieval processing (TESA, PESA, micro-TESE). Know the principles of oocyte insemination timing, sperm concentration targets for insemination versus ICSI, and the handling of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia.
261 words, about 1 min06Regulatory, Safety, and Ethical Standards in the Andrology Laboratory
Know the regulatory framework governing andrology laboratories: accreditation and licensure requirements, CLIA-style oversight where applicable, and standards for infectious disease screening and gamete handling. Understand occupational safety: universal precautions, personal protective equipment, sharps and cryogenic hazard management, liquid nitrogen safety (asphyxiation and cold burns), and chemical hygiene for fixatives and stains.
285 words, about 1 min