A documented representation of activities and procedures in the laboratory is a must. In an IVF unit, a simple Semen Analysis is basic but undoubtedly carries the burden of being a gold standard for male infertility diagnosis. Unfortunately, a semen analysis is not done as it should be owing to some interjecting compromises and focus on other techniques or procedures. Especially as more IVF clinics are tending towards ICSI, the numbers required to satisfy those glaring benchmarks for procedures such as conventional IVF or IUI have become insignificant. Just looking inside the compound microscope and counting a dozen sperm to inject a dozen oocytes may be the norm. In spite of prevailing ground realities, a semen analysis is unavoidable. But this evolution from a comprehensive outlook concerning analysis into sheer tokenism has its bearing on making semen analysis reports.

A semen analysis report is glaring documentation of the semen or sperm condition at the moment and no matter which procedure we choose, a report is mandatory. I would categorize the semen analysis report into two kinds. The first one being the maiden semen analysis we do before we embark on any treatment as a part of the male investigation. The other kind is a report made to highlight semen parameters and post-wash characteristics when we are processing samples for any procedures namely IUI, IVF or ICSI. A maiden semen analysis report has to be at its comprehensive best. It must give a detailed account of macroscopic as well as microscopic properties. For example, a parameter such as viscosity must be observed with alertness and recorded. An analysis was done for the first time to decide the course of treatment has to incorporate a sperm morphology report based on staining and checking the slide for sperm structure at a higher magnification. This report must highlight the smallest nuances in the report which may help us when the same patient will be coming later for any specific procedure. If an XYZ patient has exhibited hyperviscosity and if it is ably mentioned in the report, it can aid us in sending the patient early during the subsequent procedure to save time. Perhaps, these reports can use terms such as asthenozoospermia or OAT and so on which will give a documented summary of the type of sample. When we come to the reports made corresponding to the semen preparations for procedures, here the comprehensive attribute can be relaxed a bit to evoke more of a representation makeup. IF an XYZ patient has walked in for an IUI procedure, pre and post-wash characteristics will be important and staining the sample for morphology is not needed. For procedures like IUI and conventional IVF, the reports are more about processing and not so much about investigations. Nevertheless, any anomaly detected can be observed and can be made a note about. For example, during the processing of a semen sample, a speck of blood pellet was ascertained and I had highlighted it in the report. Finally, when we talk about semen analysis reports for ICSI cases, the perspective is more or less bleak. Although only a handful of sperm are required for ICSI, it is still noteworthy to create a report which may serve as an efficient record or history to investigate in case an ICSI cycle has failed at the levels of fertilization, embryo formation or even implantation.

Read More On : How many embryos would you transfer? A Perspective!

The format for making the semen analysis report can be made by referring to a WHO manual that has comprehensive know-how on how to deal with semen samples. Apart from the above situations, we may get specific conditions like Azoospermia where the report will be customized per the findings. Along with these aspects, make the report with benchmarks for every parameter based on the WHO standards and not other references. Lastly, a semen analysis report should be made which is comprehensible and for every procedure should be duly explained to an anxious patient.

Documentations are looked upon with boredom and procrastination but they are vital pieces of evidence which may be required for audits, clinical, scientific or even legal reasons and hence they must be furnished with accountability and responsibility.

Read More: How will the world view gene editing post the sentencing of the Chinese scientist?