O-149 Evaluation of structural problems in the application of strict criteria for sperm morphology assessment

In this study, as a first step, variation in the use of the strict criteria is evaluated.Study design, size, durationData from the Dutch external quality control (EQC) program were evaluated in this retrospective study over the period 2015 – 2020. The program consists of four rounds per year and includes the assessment of three photos of Papanicolaou stained spermatozoa. These spermatozoa were dichotomously judged (normal/abnormal) on 14 morphological criteria (WHO manual, 2010). Consensus results of three experts served as referenc e. In total, variation over results of 72 photos (1008 values) was analysed.Participants/materials, setting, methodsParticipants were staff members from Dutch laboratories (1 member per lab per round) that perform semen analysis. The outcomes of the participants were tested for variation per criterion, both over the entire 6-year period and for trends during this period. To gain insight in the influence of “time”, three photos were provided three times (in 2015/2018/2020) and six photos were provided twice (in 2016/2018 and 2018/2020). Setup was blinded to both participants and experts.Main results and the role of chanceIn the period 2015 – 2020, 88 – 103 laboratories participated in the EQC program. Of these laboratories, 40 – 60 took part in the photo evaluation. Variation per criterion was expressed in categories green, orange and red, with resp.>90%, 60-90% and<60% agreement between the participants. Overall, variation was in...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research