Purpose: The applications, technique and limitations of testicular tou
ch preparation cytology in evaluation of the infertile man are describ
ed. Materials and Methods: The technique and histological results of t
esticular touch preparation cytology for normal specimens and various
pathological conditions of male infertility are described in detail. R
esults: Testicular touch preparation cytology is able to differentiate
between late spermatids and mature spermatozoa, as well as to identif
y other spermatogenic elements. Conclusions: Touch preparation cytolog
y has 2 important purposes: 1) distinguishing between maturation arres
t at the late spermatid stage and normal spermatogenesis, and 2) deter
mining whether obstruction is the cause of azoospermia. While testis b
iopsy is the gold standard, touch preparation cytology is an extremely
important adjunct because of its ability to define whole sperm. The u
rologist and pathologist are better able to make a diagnosis when rout
ine biopsy and touch preparation cytology are performed.