QwikCheck™
Sperm Quality Analyzer Guide Version 1.00 I-Button WHO 5th 06_AUG_2012
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APPENDIX 6: Measuring WBC's in Semen
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.
