IMSI-Guidelines for Sperm Quality Assessment

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a widely used and accepted treatment of choice for oocyte fertilization. However, the quality of sperm selection depends on the accurate visualization of the morphology, which can be achieved with a high image resolution. We aim to correct the conviction, shown in a myriad of publications, that an ultra-high magnification in the range of 6000x-10,000x can be achieved with an optical microscope. The goal of observing sperm under the microscope is not to simply get a larger image, but rather to obtain more detail-therefore, we indicate that the optical system's resolution is what should be primarily considered. We provide specific microscope system setup recommendations sufficient for most clinical cases that are based on our experience showing that the optical resolution of 0.5 mu m allows appropriate visualization of sperm defects. Last but not least, we suggest that mixed research results regarding the clinical value of IMSI, comparing to ICSI, can stem from a lack of standardization of microscopy techniques used for both ICSI and IMSI.

Automated summary

ICSI is a commonly used treatment for oocyte fertilization, and the quality of sperm selection depends on accurate visualization of morphology. We emphasize the importance of optical system's resolution in observing sperm and provide specific microscope system setup recommendations. Furthermore, a lack of standardization in microscopy techniques for both ICSI and IMSI may contribute to mixed research results.