Hemocytometer Evaluation of Sperm Concentration

The hemocytometer is the least expensive method but is more time consuming than other techniques. The hemo-cytometer has two individual sides that are counted independently. Results from each side are then averaged to determine the total number of spermatozoa per milliliter. There are a number of mixing, loading, and reading steps that may be affected by human error when performing hemocytometer counts. Multiple studies have shown that the hemocytometer has a high variation and is prone to imprecision, so care must be taken in sample preparation and the counting procedure. The chapter discusses the step by step procedure for evaluation of sperm concentration using hemocytometer with illustrations, and the eqipment and supplies needed. It also discusses the necessary conditions for evaluation of sperm concentration using hemocytometer.