Revision 21_Sep_2015
38
User Guide Version 2.60 I-button WHO 5th
APPENDIX 7: Measuring WBC's in Semen
SQA-V Visualization System
Follow directions for preparing a standard slide with 10 µl of semen and refer to the "Using the Visualization
System" section of this guide. View up to 10 fields by turning the silver slide adaptor knob. Search for
leukocytes. If >1 M/ml are seen on the visualization system, select ABNORMAL (ABNORM) in the SAMPLE
DATA screen.
QwikCheck
Test Strips for Semen
Place one drop of semen on the test patch for WBC's (leukocytes) and follow the instructions on the TEST
STRIP label/insert. Compare the patch to the color scale for WBC on the container. If the patch exceeds the
darkest lavender color on the scale it indicates that WBC concentration in the sample is abnormal or >1
Million/ml.
NOTE:
Test strips are also supported for pH testing of semen.
Clinical Trial
The WBC patch of the test strip changes color due to a chemical reaction caused by the presence of esterase
in granulocytes. Esterases cleave to indoxyl ester, liberating the indoxyl which then reacts to diasonium salt to
produce a violet dye. This chemical reaction is not affected by bacteria, trichomonads or erythrocytes present
in the specimen.
QwikCheck
test strips were evaluated by Medical Electronic Systems Ltd. (MES) for use as a qualitative
indicator (WBC's >1M/ml) of WBC's in human semen. To test this application WBC's were isolated from blood
and re-suspended in seminal plasma. Varying concentrations of WBC's in seminal plasma were tested using
the test strips. Test results were analyzed visually and by spectrophotometer readings.
Results and Conclusion
When the WBC concentration in semen is >1 Million/ml the WBC patch of the QwikCheck
test strips exceeds
the darkest lavender color on the color chart after the testing time. (This reading corresponds to WBC
concentration > 1 Million/ml that is considered abnormal according to WHO 2010 5
th
edition, Pg. 107). A NEG
includes both the NEG color on the label AND any color of lavender LIGHTER than the >1M patch on the label.
References
WHO 2010 5
TH
edition laboratory manual for the examination of human semen, Pg. 16 (pH) and 107
(Leukocytes), Cambridge University Press.
