Table 12.1 Open in new tab WHO semen... | Oxford Academic

Table 12.1

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WHO semen analysis characteristics

Semen analysis parameter	Lower reference limit (95% CI)
Serum volume	1.5mL (1.4–1.7)
pH	≥7.2
Total sperm count	39 × 106 per ejaculate (33–46)
Sperm concentration	15 × 106 per mL (12–16)
Motility	40% progressive + non-progressive (38–40) 32% progressive motility (31–34) Forward progression >grade 2
Sperm morphology	4% normal forms (3–4)
Vitality	58% live spermatozoa (55–63)
Time to liquefy	5–25min
White blood cells (WBC)	<1 × 106 WBC per mL
MAR-test (for antisperm antibody)	<50% motile spermatozoa with bound particles
Zinc	≥2.4μmol per ejaculate
Semen fructose	≥13μmol per ejaculate

Semen analysis parameter	Lower reference limit (95% CI)
Serum volume	1.5mL (1.4–1.7)
pH	≥7.2
Total sperm count	39 × 106 per ejaculate (33–46)
Sperm concentration	15 × 106 per mL (12–16)
Motility	40% progressive + non-progressive (38–40) 32% progressive motility (31–34) Forward progression >grade 2
Sperm morphology	4% normal forms (3–4)
Vitality	58% live spermatozoa (55–63)
Time to liquefy	5–25min
White blood cells (WBC)	<1 × 106 WBC per mL
MAR-test (for antisperm antibody)	<50% motile spermatozoa with bound particles
Zinc	≥2.4μmol per ejaculate
Semen fructose	≥13μmol per ejaculate

Adapted from World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 lower reference limits (5th centile and their 95% CI) for semen characteristics