The CellSoft computerized semen analysis system. II. On the optimalization of running conditions concerning gray scale and cell size range.

The CellSoft automated semen analysis system was studied concerning the effect of gray scale (GSc) variation on cell motion parameters and to establish an appropriate setting for human spermatozoal sizes (PixMin and PixMax) based on the cell's instant velocities (InsVels). GSc could be set within a range from "optimum" till +10 units without, except for curvilinear velocity, the CellSoft generated sperm measures being altered (p greater than 0.05). The aspect of a sample specific GSc setting according to certain criteria is stressed. Considering the area of immobilized spermatozoa (at GSc + 20) and of motile cells with low InsVel, PixMin should be set at 3 pixels. Correspondingly, the InsVel determined setting for PixMax (at a maximum velocity threshold set at 200 microns/sec.) was 28 pixels. A final recommendation on the setting for cell sizes can, however, only be determined in considering sizes of nonsperm seminal elements and in studying the appropriate setting for the maximum velocity threshold.