No sample preparation

Microscopic sperm counting, as well as counting by means of a conventional photometer, requires to prepare a dilution of the sample and to transfer this to the device to perform an analysis. This demands additional labware (pipettes, diluent, volumetric flasks, cuvettes, microscope, slides, ...) and experienced operators.

With MetroSperm, however, the operator just needs to immerse the probe directly into the ejaculate, press a button and read the result in a matter of seconds.

This innovation has several consequences:

• Results are obtained faster.
• No need for additional labware (e.g. pipettes, cuvettes, ...).
• Results are more reliable, since:
  • ...dilution errors are avoided:
    • technical errors: due to faulty calibrated micropipettes, for instance.
    • human error: depending on the experience of the operator in handling micropipettes or other volumetric instruments.
  • ...differences between cuvettes do not impair the measurement.
  • ...a greater sample volume is analysed, yielding more representative results.
  • ...the sample is agitated during measurement, ensuring its homogeneity. Agitating does also reduce the effect of anisotropic absorbance usually observed in semen ("waves").

No computations

MetroSperm doesn't require the user to perform any computations nor the use of any conversion table, since it displays the final result.

When preparing insemination doses from an ejaculate, for instance, MetroSperm will display:

• ...the volume of semen-extender to be added...
• ...and the number of doses obtainable.

Robust

MetroSperm is waterproof and insensitive to vibration, due to its monolithic design, which embeds all electronic and optical components in solid plastic material. All three buttons are protected against water and dirt to IP67.

This allows the use of MetroSperm at locations where no microscope nor any other sensitive instrument can be deployed.

Portable

MetroSperm is grasped and operated with a single hand. It does not require connection to the mains, since it is powered by rechargeable batteries. Consequently it is independent of fluctuations in the mains supply, which are frequently observed at farms.

For easy transport and storage MetroSperm is supplied together with a wall-mount battery charger in a robust polypropylene suitcase.

Multiple wavelengths

Unlike conventional photometers, which measure absorbance at a single wavelength, MetroSperm uses three different wavelengths (colours). It is therefore capable to reliably measure a wider range of concentrations: diluted insemination doses as well as undiluted ejaculates.

Endpoint dilution

MetroSperm is particularly suited to prepare dilutions by an endpoint approach: just add diluent while stirring and measuring with MetroSperm's probe until the desired concentration is reached.

This approach is useful, if...:

• ...the initial sample volume is unknown
• ...and/or the volume of diluent to be added can't be metered accurately.