CAP Pro Course - Urinalysis - Semen Analysis (2026 & 2027)

Author: Jerelyn Walters, MLS(ASCP)SH
Reviewer: Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP) and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Identify preanalytic considerations that will ensure an optimal specimen for analysis.
  • Identify the characteristics of semen that should be noted and documented during the macroscopic examination of the sample.
  • Identify the characteristics of semen that should be noted and documented during the initial microscopic examination of the sample.
  • Explain the techniques necessary to perform an accurate manual sperm concentration and count.
  • Identify normal and abnormal spermatozoa and other elements that may be observed on the stained slide.

Course Outline

  • Identify preanalytic considerations that will ensure an optimal specimen for analysis.
      • Physiology of Semen Production and Semen Composition
      • Collection and Transport of Specimens for Semen Analysis
      • Specimen Collection Information
      • Upon receipt of a semen sample, the medical laboratory scientist noted a much smaller amount than normally seen in the container. After speaking with ...
      • Which of the following instructions should be given to a patient collecting a semen specimen at home and bringing it back to the laboratory for semen ...
  • Identify the characteristics of semen that should be noted and documented during the macroscopic examination of the sample.
      • Semen Viscosity and Liquefaction
      • Semen Color, Appearance, pH, and Volume
      • What is the preferred method for measuring the sample volume?
      • Post ejaculation, when will most semen samples begin to liquify?
  • Identify the characteristics of semen that should be noted and documented during the initial microscopic examination of the sample.
      • Initial Microscopic Examination of Semen Specimens
      • Initial Microscopic Examination of Semen Specimens, continued
      • Sperm Motility
      • Sperm Motility, continued
      • Replication and Verification of Sperm Motility Assessment
      • Progressive Motility (Video Profile)
      • Non-Progressive Motility (Video Profile)
      • Immotile Spermatozoa (Video Profile)
      • Sperm Viability
      • A newly trained medical laboratory scientist is viewing a wet preparation of semen for agglutination and motility patterns. She notes 15-20 sperm/aggl...
      • A semen specimen with a normal sperm concentration has a motility evaluation of 10% motile sperm. What additional procedure can be performed to determ...
  • Explain the techniques necessary to perform an accurate manual sperm concentration and count.
      • Sperm Count and Concentration
      • Sperm Count and Concentration, continued
      • Sperm Count and Concentration, continued
      • Azoospermia, Cryptozoospermia, and Post-Vasectomy Semen Specimens
      • Round Cells
      • A trained medical laboratory scientist begins preparing a sperm count using a hemocytometer. She diluted the specimen 1:20 with saline and then added ...
      • In seminal fluid, the presence of which of the following would most likely indicate a testicular infection?
  • Identify normal and abnormal spermatozoa and other elements that may be observed on the stained slide.
      • Assessing Sperm Morphology
      • Assessing Sperm Morphology, continued
      • Assessing Sperm Morphology, continued
      • Table: Examples of Abnormal Sperm Morphology
      • Leukocytes and Spermatids (Round Cells)
      • Which of these findings would be considered normal?
      • Which of the following images represents a normal sperm head?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction:  Intermediate
Intended Audience:  This program is suitable as an educational tool for medical laboratory science students and interns and all MLS and MLT personnel.
Author Information: Jerelyn Walters, MLS(ASCP)SH is the technical supervisor of esoteric testing for ACL Laboratories, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has written numerous hematology-related articles for several laboratory publications. Jerelyn is a frequent speaker at seminars and educational workshops. She holds a Specialist in Hematology certification from ASCP. 
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.  
Reviewer Information: 
Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP) is a Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia PA where she teaches hematology, clinical immunology, parasitology, and other related courses. She was the MLS Program Director there for 30 years. She is also an adjunct instructor in Hematology at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia PA. She holds a Masters Degree in Biology and in Health Care Administration.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.

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