Microscopical study of spermatozoal stability in semen stains

ABSTRACT

Spermatozoal stability in semen stains was evaluated microscopically in 18 normozoospermic semen samples. Each semen sample was examined microscopically in the fresh state [time 0] to determine sperms concentration [million/ml] and morphology. Then, every semen was divided equally into two aliquots to be stored on white cotton and nylon fabrics at room temperature. Seminal fluid was extracted by the use of 1% HCl soaking and examined at different intervals [2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15 and 25 days, then 1,1.5,2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6 months, respectively]. For morphological study, three wet smears were formed from each soaked portion for every studied interval. The first was examined unstained by phase contrast microscope. The second was stained by Gram stain and examined by light microscope. The third was stained with SpermMac stain and examined by both light and phase contrast microscopes. AutoSperm [the computerized assisted system] connected to phase contrast microscope was used to determine sperms concentration in fresh semen and seminal stains in unstained state