What is CASA?
Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) is an advanced laboratory technique used to evaluate sperm movement and motility with greater accuracy and consistency. In this process, recorded video images of sperm are captured through a highly powerful microscope and transferred into a digital computer-based analysis system. The system processes the recorded sperm images at a high speed, which can analyse up to 60 frames per second, allowing detailed observation of the movement of individual sperm as well as the overall sperm population. CASA helps laboratory specialists assess important characteristics of sperm motility, including the number of moving sperm, their movement patterns and the quality of their progression. By using computer-assisted image analysis rather than relying only on manual observation, the technique can provide a more objective and standardized assessment of sperm movement. This information can be useful during male fertility evaluation and may help fertility specialists understand sperm-related factors that could influence the chances of natural conception or assisted reproductive treatment.
CASA is used to study recorded video images of sperm through an extreamly powerful microscope. The images are then digitized and analyzed by a high-speed computer system (up to 60 frames per second) so that motility of individual sperm (and sperm populations) can be analyzed accurately.
The quality and accuracy of manual microscopic semen analysis varies enormously from center to center and despite efforts to introduce standardization and quality control, it remains a time consuming and poorly reproducible process. Hence reliability of such reports are questionable.
Computer assisted semen analysis allows a very detailed determination of the parameters of sperm motility, the most important of which are:
- VCL – Curvilinear Velocity – the total distance the sperm moves in a time unit (µm/s)
- VSL – Straight Line Velocity (progressive velocity) – the distance the sperm moves along a straight line in a time unit (µm/s)
- VAP – Path Velocity – mathematically smoothed path along which the sperm moves in a unit of time
- ALH – Amplitude of Lateral Head Displacement (µm)
The CASA system is so precise that it enables our Andrologist’s to get a more accurate analysis by limiting the number of variables that exist with the manual analysis.
The first step towards evaluating Male Infertility is a Semen Analysis Test.
The CASA system brings forward the most accurate and reliable laboratory results available hence assuring accurate treatment.
It is one of the most advanced diagnostic tools for Male Infertility Today.
Among numerous reasons why computer assisted semen analysis is worth choosing. Here are some of them:
- Higher Reliability in predicting fertility – a CASA result correlates with the chance to become a father.
- High degree of Precision, not provided by basic semen analysis
- The test results are more Objective due to the standardization of testing conditions at each center
- Motility parameters in CASA Reports are of greater usefulness in Infertility Evaluation in comparison with the results of standard semen analysis.
For those who believe in seeing for themselves, here’s how the CASA software screen looks like while analyzing the miniature miracle workers
Commonly Asked CASA Questions
Find answers to common questions about Computer Assisted Semen Analysis, sperm motility parameters, accuracy and male infertility evaluation.
CASA stands for Computer Assisted Semen Analysis. It studies recorded video images of sperm through a powerful microscope and analyzes the images using a high-speed computer system.
CASA is used to provide a detailed and standardized analysis of sperm motility and to reduce variables associated with manual microscopic semen analysis.
VCL stands for Curvilinear Velocity. It is the total distance the sperm moves in a time unit and is measured in µm/s.
VSL stands for Straight Line Velocity or progressive velocity. It is the distance the sperm moves along a straight line in a time unit, measured in µm/s.
VAP stands for Path Velocity. It represents the mathematically smoothed path along which the sperm moves in a unit of time.
ALH stands for Amplitude of Lateral Head Displacement and is expressed in µm.
The provided content states that manual semen analysis can vary between centers and may be time consuming and poorly reproducible. CASA helps standardize testing conditions and provides detailed motility parameters.
CASA may be recommended because it provides higher reliability, high precision, objective results and detailed sperm motility parameters useful in infertility evaluation.
Yes. The provided content describes semen analysis as the first step towards evaluating male infertility and CASA as an advanced diagnostic tool for detailed sperm analysis.
The cost of CASA testing can vary depending on the laboratory and individual diagnostic requirements. The current cost should be confirmed with the clinic.
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