Hypoosmotic swelling test for quality control of sperm prepared for assisted reproduction.

This study evaluates the clinical usefulness of one additional parameter for assessment of human sperm cell function in vitro--the hypoosmotic swelling test. The hypoosmotic swelling test evaluated the functional integrity of the sperm plasma membrane. The investigation included a comparison of the hypoosmotic swelling test in samples containing motile and immotile spermatozoa and their correlation with the intrauterine insemination outcome. Motile spermatozoa expressed better membrane characteristics, without any importance of the hypoosmotic conditions. Positive correlation exists between HOS results and the outcome of IUI. This test can be a useful addition to the standard battery of semen analyzing tests.