The 'water test' for sperm, as described in the provided reference, is a specific laboratory procedure to observe how sperm reacts to water, rather than a general test of sperm quality that an individual can perform at home. Here's how it's done:
The Water-Test Procedure
This method, known as the 'Water-test', is used to examine a reaction called the 'swelling reaction'. It's not a method for assessing sperm count, motility, or morphology generally.
Here's the detailed procedure according to the reference:
- Preparation: Gather the necessary materials:
- 10 microliters (p1) of semen sample
- 40 microliters (PI) of distilled water
- A clean glass slide
- A thin coverslip
- Microscope capable of 400x magnification
- Mixing:
- On the clean glass slide, mix the 10 p1 semen sample with 40 PI of distilled water.
- Cover and Incubate:
- Carefully place the thin coverslip over the mixture.
- Incubate the slide at 37°C (body temperature) for 5 minutes.
- Microscopic Examination:
- After incubation, place the slide under a microscope.
- Observe the mixture at 400x magnification.
What This Test Shows
The 'Water-test' specifically aims to observe the swelling reaction of the sperm cells when exposed to distilled water. This reaction involves the cells absorbing the water due to osmosis. The extent of this swelling provides information about the integrity of the sperm membrane. However, this is a specific laboratory test, and not a method to generally evaluate sperm quality. It requires specific materials, environment, and microscopic examination.
Important Note: This test is typically performed in a laboratory setting and requires specialized equipment and expertise. It is not a test that can be accurately performed at home.
