• Version 6th
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• Create Date 05/09/2021
• Last Updated 05/09/2021

[WHO] Laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen 6th 2021

Access to high-quality, evidence-based, affordable health services is key for Universal
Health Coverage (UHC), including for sexual and reproductive health. Universal access
to laboratory services is essential to ensure that concerned populations can avoid the
adverse health and socioeconomic consequences of sexual and reproductive ill health.
The WHO laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and sperm –
cervical mucus interaction was first published in 1980, in response to a growing
need for standardization of procedures for the examination of human semen. The
manual has subsequently been revised four times (in 1987, 1992, 1999 and 2010), and
translated into a number of languages.
The manual is a reference document for procedures and methods for the laboratory
examination and processing of human semen, which are intended to maintain and sustain
the quality of analysis and the comparability of results from different laboratories.
Indeed, over the past 40 years, the manual has become a recognized standard and is
used extensively by clinical and research laboratories throughout the world.
It is a standard manual not only for those new to semen analysis, but also for all who
process and examine semen to define its parameters for clinical use or research studies.
The manual provides important information on semen examination and preparation for
clinical evaluation, specialized assays, cryopreservation, quality control in the semen
analysis laboratory, and laboratory examination in the investigation of male infertility.
These are also critical in monitoring the response to treatment and other interventions
that aim to improve male sexual and reproductive health.
This sixth edition of the manual will be an essential source of the latest evidencebased information for the laboratory procedures needed for fertility care. This
edition has new and expanded sections on semen sample preparation, determining
markers for infection, computer-aided sperm analysis, and basic extended and
advanced categories.
The sixth edition of the WHO Manual for the Laboratory Examination and Processing
of Human Semen will benefit programmes that seek to improve sexual and
reproductive health, including fertility care and access, especially among males,
thereby supporting countries’ efforts to attain SDG 3.7 (universal access to sexual
and reproductive health care services, including for family planning). The manual
will also support accomplishment of SDG 3.8 (universal health coverage, including
financial risk protection, and access to quality essential health care services).
WHO and HRP would like to thank the many technical experts from around the world
who contributed to the review and revision of this manual.
Ian Askew, PhD
Director, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research,
including the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme on
Human Reproduction
World Health Organization