Motile Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

As a high percentage of Enterococcus faecium strains carry the Van A gene and are highly resistant to vancomycin. Species identifications are performed in some laboratories where MIC susceptibility testing may not be available.Methods for the phenotypic separation of E. faecium from E. faecalis are limited.Illustrated in this photograph are positive reactions for acid production from arabinose and melibiose (yellow color), characteristic of E. faecium. E. faecalis are negative for these reactions.A few preformed substrates such as beta galactosidase (E. faecium positive, E. faecalis negative) also serve to separate these two species, accomplished by certain commercial systems that include these substrates.E. faecium is not motile, an additional characteristic helpful to separate vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species from E. cassiloflavus and E. gallinarum, both of which are motile, and carry the low level resistant gene VAN-c.

Within the hematopoietic cords each cell line has a specific location for development. Erythroid precursors are located near a venous sinusoid and cluster around a macrophage. This is referred to as an erythroblastic island. Developing red cells obtain iron needed for hemoglobin production from macrophages. Megakaryocytes are also located close to a venous sinus. They extend their cytoplasm in fingerlike projections through the sinus wall in order to release their platelets directly into the blood in the sinus. Immature granulocytes lie within the hematopoietic cords. The metamyelocyte stage is the first stage of the granulocyte series that is motile and able to move toward the sinus area. Mature neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils enter the sinusoidal blood through the basement membrane. As maturing erythrocytes also move toward the sinus wall any remaining nuclei are lost as the red cells move through small openings in the cells lining the sinus wall.

Because monocytes are extremely motile cells, blunt pseudopods may be seen. These should not be confused with the apparent cytoplasmic projections produced when large lymphocytes are indented by surrounding cells.

The following are reference values for a normal semen analysis. It should be noted that these are recommended reference ranges only and that they may require adjustment for your particular laboratory or region of the country:Liquefaction: ≤30 minutesVolume: ≥2.0 mlColor: white, yellowish, grayViscosity: non-viscouspH: ≥7.0Sperm count: ≥20 million / mlMotility: ≥50%Leukocytes: ≤1 million / mlWHO III Morphology: ≥30%Strict Morphology: ≥14% In addition some people find it useful to have a total motile count (TMC). This is calculated by multiplying the concentration x the percent motility x the volume. Normal TMC is 10 million or greater.

Sperm can be counted either manually or by automated methods. Although automated counting has some advantages for assessment of motility parameters, manual counting is still performed by most laboratories. There are several manual counting methods available for semen. These include:Neubauer hemacytometerMakler chamberCellVu (Millennium Sciences, Inc)MicroCell (Conception Technologies) The Makler, CellVu, and MicroCell methods have the advantage of requiring no dilution of the semen. Since semen is viscous, accurate dilution can be problematic. These methods also allow counting of motile and non-motile sperm at the same time and thus avoid the need for separate assessment via wet mount. Each laboratory should determine the best most reproducible method for their own situation, equipment, and expertise.

Motility may be evaluated on one of the specifically designed counting chambers already listed or it may be assessed by wet mount. Chambers designed to get a motile and non-motile count simultaneously include the Makler counting chamber and the CellVu counting slides.

Parasites which may be found in urinary sediments include Trichomonas vaginalis, Enterobius vermicularis and Schistosoma haematobium. It is also important to note that parasites and parasitic ova may be seen in urine sediments as a result of fecal or vaginal contamination. This slide shows examples of Trichomonas vaginalis. In the female, Trichomonas is usually found as a contaminant from vaginal infection and is often accompanied by an increase in the number of white cells. Trichomonas is highly motile, measuring 5 - 15 microns with a characteristic pear shape. It has multiple anterior flagella and the nucleus is often apparent.