Real-time tracing of spermatozoa

A system for improved evaluation of sperm progression is described. Modern andrology laboratories evaluate semen to analyze male ejaculate and to determine male infertility. Many computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) instruments have been developed to evaluate sperm progression. To overcome the disadvantages of the existing CASA instruments, a real-time spermatozoa tracing system (RSTS) was developed. The RSTS monitors spermatozoa entering a fixed microscope field and traces their paths over a period of time, thus providing kinematic measurements. The RSTS is comprised of a general microscope with imaging equipment, and it enables the user to manipulate the specimen as desired. This article shows how the RSTS differs from conventional CASA instruments and how the proposed system provides an accurate and efficient method for evaluating sperm progression in real time.