Viscous Semen Reagent
Viscous Semen Reagent
After ejaculation, semen normally coagulates into a gelatinous mass and then liquifies within 60 minutes at room temperature or 37oC. Proteins originating from seminal vesicle cause coagulation while proteases originating from prostate cause the coagulum to liquefy.
Viscosity means friction between various seminal fluid components as they slide by one another. Usually, viscosity and liquefaction time go hand in hand (i.e. liquefaction time is more when viscosity is increased.
High viscosity combined with poor sperm motility can lead to a marked decrease in fertilization capacity due to problems with delivery (i.e., the poor or total absence of sperm release into the cervical mucus.) In order to properly analyze sperm functions, viscosity must be made normal before performing analysis.
Viscosity can be evaluated by performing “String Test” or by using ‘Modified Pipette Method.” It is measured in millimeters (mm) by the length of “Spinnbarkeit” or “Threadiness.”
If an average length (mm) of a string or a drop is:
- <40 mm: Normal Viscosity
- 40 to 60 mm: Equivocal
- >60 mm: Abnormal (Highly Viscous)
Highly viscous sample can be treated with the Bioscreen Viscosity reagent which does not affect sperm functional tests.