COMPARISON OF THE RESAZURIN TEST, ADENOSINE-TRIPHOSPHATE IN SEMEN, AND VARIOUS SPERM PARAMETERS

The results of the resazurin test (RES) and adenosine triphosphate (AT P) concentration in semen, measured by two methods, were compared for their ability to predict sperm parameters of semen samples from 42 sub fertile men as assessed by a semi-computerized system. The highest cor relation of RES grade was with sperm concentration (r = 0.70, P < 0.00 1), concentration of motile spermatozoa, concentration of motile sperm atozoa with normal morphology and the ATP concentration using the refe rence LKB method (all r = 0.65, P < 0.001). The RES test has a positiv e predictive value of 93% for a progressive motile sperm concentration of 20 x 10(6)/ml or more, and a negative predictive power of 90% for the same variable at a criterion value of 10 x 10(6)/ml. The results o f ATP measurement using the reference LKB and FireZyme methods present ed a strong correlation (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). The correlations betwee n ATP measurements from the FireZyme method and sperm characteristics were better than those obtained using the reference LKB method for ATP determination. It is concluded that the RES test can be performed wit h a relatively small volume of semen; it is easy to perform and requir es no technical equipment. The accuracy and predictive value of this t est are similar to more sophisticated ATP measurements. In addition, t he RES may identify a subgroup of subfertile men with a decreased redu cing capacity of semen.