What Are Accu-Beads?
Accu-Beads consist of two known concentrations of latex beads (18 and 35 M/ml) suspended in an aqueous solution. Similar in size to human sperm, the Accu-Beads have been developed to confirm accurate counting procedures used for routine semen analysis.
Who Will Benefit from Using Accu-Beads?
Whether you perform your semen counts manually or using an automated analyzer, you can use Accu-Beads for quality control.
What do Accu-Beads Evaluate?
For manual methods, the Accu-Beads are used to evaluate the actual counting procedures practiced. When used in an automated semen analyzer, the Accu-Beads test and evaluate the optical and image acquisition systems of the analyzer. Because motility is irrelevant for checking these functions, the static nature of the Accu-Beads will not affect the quality control testing.
How are Accu-Beads used?
Using a pipette, simply draw the required amount (undiluted) and load your standard semen analysis chamber, such as a disposable slide or a Petroff-Hausser, Makler, or Hemacytometer chamber. Position the chamber on the stage of the microscope or analyzer and perform an analysis according to your normal procedure.
Examples
The images below show the 35 M/ml Accu-Beads in the IVOS analyzer. The top image shows the Accu-Bead image acquired for analysis and the second shows the analyzed Accu-Bead image.
Additional Information
Accu-Beads are packaged in 5 ml aliquots and are stable at room temperature for up to 1 year. Complete instructions for use with the Hamilton Thorne Research automated analyzers and for manual counting methods are included with each package.
