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 hemacytometer
• Makler chamber
• CellVu (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.