Evaluation of the SQA IIB: a new version of a sperm quality analyzer.

Objective: To evaluate the SQA IIB (Sperm Quality Analyzer; MES-Medical Electronic Systems, Migdal Haemek, Israel), sperm analyzer that claims to read the three main sperm indices through algorithmic means and without a microscope.

Design: Controlled laboratory study comparing two methods of sperm analysis.

Setting: Academic environment.

Patient(s): Twenty-six healthy volunteers.

Intervention(s): Samples from intact or manipulated specimens were analyzed with the standards of the World Health Organization and the SQA IIB.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Results by the two methods were compared and evaluated statistically.

Result(s): Values from the SQA IIB deviated significantly from those obtained by the standard method for all three indices. Disagreement was more than twofold in 53% and more than threefold in 33% of cases. In specimens with <8% motility or total lack of motility, the SQA IIB showed zero concentration, zero motility, and no normal forms.

Conclusion(s): Analysis of the three main sperm indices by the SQA IIB is of limited accuracy and reliability. The principle of an indirect evaluation through algorithmic means is inadequate. Because it may furnish misleading information, which is sometimes crucial for the treated couple, it is not suitable for screening and cannot be recommended for clinics, sperm banks, or research studies in andrology.