OBJECTIVETo compare 3 common sperm counting chambers by the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system and evaluate their precision in analyzing sperm density and motility.

METHODSWe used latex bead solution at (20 +/- 5) x 10(6)/ml as analogue semen samples and analyzed the samples with Makler, Leja and Microcell counting chambers, 30 times with each chamber. And the average (x +/- s) and the coefficient of variation of sperm density were calculated by the CASA system. Meanwhile 54 semen samples collected from the outpatients analyzed with the 3 sperm counting chambers by the CASA system for the rates of forward movement and motility of the sperm.

RESULTSThe averages of sperm density obtained with Makler, Leja and Microcell chambers were (25.90 +/- 3.97) x 10(6)/ml, (18.74 +/- 1.62) x 10(6)/ml and (20.35 +/- 2.55) x 10(6)/ml, the coefficients of variation were 15.31%, 8.64% and 12.54%, the rates of sperm forward movement were (46.54 +/- 17.09)%, (30.65 +/- 14.88)% and (30.49 +/- 13.21)%, and the rates of sperm motility were (59.75 +/- 16.12)%, (46.76 +/- 14.11)%, (43.11 +/- 14.02)% respectively. There were significant differences in average sperm density among the 3 groups (P < 0.05). The rates of sperm forward movement and motility obtained with the Makler chamber were significantly higher than those achieved with the Leja chamber and Microcell chamber (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the latter two (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe rates of sperm density obtained with the 3 sperm counting chambers differed significantly. In the analysis of sperm motility, a higher rate can be achieved with the coverslip-pressed chamber than the capillary-drawn chamber.