Microscopic examination of semen includes assessment of:

• sperm concentration
• percent motility
• percent viability
• cellular elements other than spermatozoa
• sperm morphology
  
  Sperm counting will be covered in this section. Assessment of other cellular components and of morphology will be covered in the next sections.
  
  For assessing count, motility, viability and other cellular components your laboratory will require a phase contrast microscope with 10x oculars and objectives up to 20x. For assessing morphology you will need bright field objectives up to 40x and 100x (oil immersion).