MMC Sperm Analysis Software
MMC Sperm is an automated image analysis software package for sperm quality analysis according to parameters recommended by WHO .This software is based on our MultiMedia Catalog with addition of dedicated routines for semen analysis. MMC Sperm represents the basis for Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis System (CASA) to be used in human reproduction (in andrology labs, ART, IVF clinics) for estimation of fertility/infertility and understanding its causes as well as in veterinary and animal, bee, fish breeding for calculation of sperm doses for artificial insemination.
Main Software Features:
• Storage of textual data, images and clips in the built-in MultiMedia Catalog database.
• Automated analysis of sperm concentration and motility on native samples according to WHO recommendations.
• Automated morphology analysis on stained samples according to strict Krueger criteria.
• Manual assessment of concentration of white blood cells, immature germ cells, round cells.
• Vitality. Estimation of the percentage of live spermatozoa is assessed by identifying those with an intact cell membrane.
• Sperm DNA fragmentation test. Estimation of the percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA based on Sperm Chromatin Dispersion.
Main Function
1. Motility Analysis
Sperm concentration assessment (M/ml) and motility analysis are performed on native samples by recording AVI clips (acquired live from your imaging device to PC memory or prerecorded to disk). The analysis strictly follows the requirements of the “WHO laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and sperm-cervical mucus interaction.
The following parameters are calculated:
- VCL = curvilinear velocity (micron/s).
- VSL = straight line velocity(micron/s).
- VAP = average path velocity (micron/s).
- LIN = linearity. The linearity of a curvilinear path.
- STR straightness. The linearity of the average path.
- BCF = beat cross frequency (beats/s).
- ALH = amplitude of lateral head displacement.
- WOB = wobble. A measure of oscillation of the actual path about the average path, VAP/VCL.
- MAD mean angular displacement of the sperm head.
- Elongation of sperm head.
- Mean values of all the parameters are represented in statistics.
Based on the parameters mentioned above, the motility of each spermatozoon is graded A, B, C or D (WHO), according to whether it shows:
- A = rapid progressive motility
- B = slow or sluggish progressive motility
- C = nonprogressive motility
- D = immotility
- A+B = progressive motility
- A+B+C = total motility
Morphology of the sperm head is an important criterion for the correct diagnosis. The software is set up to analyze still images of smears stained with the Diff-Quik stain according to strict Krueger’s criteria. We have selected Diff-Quik as worldwide recognized leader in rapid staining of sperm. With Diff-Quik, the head is stained pale blue in the acrosomal region and dark blue in the post-acrosomal region which is a good basis for precise image analysis. The following parameters are assessed for every spermatozoon:
- Area of the head.
- FFC = form factor circle. The degree of similarity of the sperm head to a circle.
- Perimeter of the head.
- Brightness.
- ELL_B = Big axis of ellipse outlining the sperm head, the length of the sperm head.
- ELL_S = Small axis of ellipse outlining the sperm head, the width of the sperm head.
- Elng = elongation of the sperm head.
- FFE = form factor ellipse. The degree of similarity of the sperm head to an ellipse.
- Acrosome = Percentage of the acrosomal region.
3. Vitality
Sperm vitality is an important test, especially for samples with less than about 40% progressively motile sperms. The percentage of live spermatozoa is assessed by identifying those with an intact cell membrane, from dye exclusion or by hypotonic swelling. The dye exclusion method is based on the principle that damaged plasma membranes, such as those found in non-vital (dead) cells, allow entry of membrane-impermeant stains. The hypo-osmotic swelling test presumes that only cells with intact membranes (live cells) will swell in hypotonic solutions. Sperm vitality should be assessed as soon as possible after liquefaction of the semen sample, preferably at 30 minutes, but in any case, within 1 hour of ejaculation, to prevent observation of deleterious effects of dehydration or of changes in temperature on vitality.
4. DNA Fragmentation
Sperm DNA fragmentation test provides additional information on semen fertility potential that can not be achieved by means of standard motility, morphology and vitality tests. We have selected the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) method as simple, fast, accurate, and highly reproducible method for the analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation in semen and processed sperm.The SCD test utilizes the idea that after acid denaturation and removal of nuclear proteins sperm with non-fragmented DNA produce the well seen halo of dispersed DNA loops while spermatozoa with fragmented DNA fail to produce such halo.
