Sperm Morphology Analysis (Head Abnormality Quantification)
This test examines the shape of your sperm heads under a microscope to see if any are abnormal, which may affect fertility.
["Abnormal sperm head shapes can impact pregnancy chances; this test helps identify potential fertility concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10602-1
- Short code
- Sperm Abnorm Head NFr Smn
- Synonyms
- Sperm Abnorm Head NFr Smn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you or your partner have trouble getting pregnant, unexplained infertility, or if previous sperm analysis showed concerns about sperm head shape. It’s often part of a broader fertility evaluation.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to provide a semen sample, usually collected by masturbation into a sterile container. Avoid ejaculation for 2–3 days before testing to get a representative sample. No special preparation is needed beyond this.
How the Test Works
A trained technician will examine your semen under a microscope. They’ll count and classify sperm heads based on their shape (e.g., normal, irregular, or misshapen). This helps determine if head abnormalities are present beyond normal variation.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a percentage of sperm with abnormal heads compared to the total sperm count. While no single value is definitive, higher percentages may suggest underlying issues that could affect fertility.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal sperm head shapes can result from genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, exposure to toxins). These defects may impair sperm penetration of the egg or reduce sperm motility. While not always a cause of infertility, they’re often investigated alongside other fertility tests to guide treatment options like assisted reproductive technologies.
Short name
Sperm Head Shape Check
Frequently asked questions
What causes sperm head abnormalities?
How is this test different from a general sperm count?
Can lifestyle changes improve sperm head shape?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy