Received May 03, 2023
Accepted December 27, 2023

Objective: Neubauer hemocytometer, as well as Makler chamber, are commonly used devices in andrology laboratories. The present study aimed to verify if both methods yield comparable results and whether they can be used interchangeably to determine sperm concentration. Methods: Sperm and latex beads concentration measurements were performed with Neubauer hemocytometer and Makler chamber. Fixed and proportional bias were estimated, and method agreement was determined by assessing sperm concentration results with the Bland and Altman plot. Coefficient of variation (CV) and relative bias were calculated as an index of precision and accuracy, respectively, by measuring latex beads target concentrations in both chambers. Results: Makler chamber systematically overestimated Neubauer hemocytometer concentration measurements by a mean of -7.99%, with limits of agreement (LOA) between -41% to 25.61% (p < 0.001). Fixed bias was found for concentration values inferior to 40 x 106/ml range (p < 0.001), but not higher concentrations results (p > 0.05). Measurements with Neubauer hemocytometer showed the greatest consistency in the study with CV ranging from 3.01% to 6.67%, while CV with Makler chamber ranged from 8.46% to 25.64%. Relative bias for Neubauer hemocytometer determinations varied from 0.12% to 8.40%, while for Makler chamber varied from 7.6% to an overestimation of 38.0%. Conclusions: Measurements made with Makler chamber demonstrated more variability and great degree of overestimation. Makler chamber is a poor substitute to Neubauer hemocytometer for evaluation of oligozoospermic samples, although both chambers render similar results for higher concentrated samples.