Interpretive Handbook
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Test 8893:
WHO Morphology
Clinical Information 
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Male fertility can be adversely affected by a number of causes, including sperm with abnormal morphology. The World Health Organization morphology third edition procedure provides a rapid, subjective estimate of sperm shape and size, and reports the presence of WBCs and germinal cells. High numbers of germinal cells and WBCs are indicative of possible disorders in spermatogenesis and genital tract infection, respectively.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Determining male fertility status
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Teratospermia, a World Health Organization morphology score of <15% normal oval sperm heads, is associated with impaired fertility. This association is variable and does not rule out normal fertility.
Germinal cells/mL: > or =4.00 x 10(6) indicate a possible disorder in spermatogenesis.
WBC/mL: > or =1.00 x 10(6) indicate a possible genital tract infection.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
A World Health Organization morphology score of <15% normal oval sperm heads does not rule out fertility.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Morphology: > or =15% normal oval sperm heads
Germ cells: <4 x10(6)/mL
WBC: <1 x10(6)/mL
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