Question 1
Compared with the WHO 5th edition (2010), the lower reference limit for sperm concentration published in the WHO 6th edition (2021):
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C - Increased from 15 × 10⁶/mL to 16 × 10⁶/mL
10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The ALS exam has 140 questions and runs 3 hours.
Compared with the WHO 5th edition (2010), the lower reference limit for sperm concentration published in the WHO 6th edition (2021):
Correct answer: C - Increased from 15 × 10⁶/mL to 16 × 10⁶/mL
A semen analysis shows 3% total motility. Eosin-nigrosin staining demonstrates 71% viable spermatozoa. Which interpretation is BEST supported?
Correct answer: D - A flagellar structural defect is likely; viable sperm remain usable for ICSI
A semen specimen contains an elevated number of round cells. Peroxidase (Endtz) staining is negative. This finding MOST likely indicates:
Correct answer: A - Spermatogenic dysfunction with immature germ cells
A man with non-obstructive azoospermia is found to have a complete AZFa deletion on Y chromosome microdeletion analysis. With respect to microdissection testicular sperm extraction, this result indicates:
Correct answer: D - Essentially no prospect of successful sperm recovery
The sperm penetration assay employs zona-free hamster oocytes. Because of this design, the assay CANNOT evaluate:
Correct answer: B - Zona pellucida binding and subsequent penetration
A semen analysis shows a volume of 0.4 mL, pH 6.4, azoospermia, and undetectable fructose. Serum FSH is within reference limits. These findings are MOST consistent with:
Correct answer: C - Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens
A semen specimen has a volume of 4.0 mL and a sperm concentration of 30 × 10⁶/mL. Total motility is 45% and progressive motility is 30%. What is the total progressively motile sperm count?
Correct answer: B - 36 million
A 32-year-old man evaluated for infertility has received intramuscular testosterone for two years. Semen analysis shows azoospermia, and serum FSH and LH are both suppressed. The MOST likely mechanism is:
Correct answer: A - Negative feedback suppression of gonadotropin secretion
While assessing a fresh, fully liquefied specimen, the technologist observes motile spermatozoa adhering to one another head-to-head. This observation should be reported as:
Correct answer: B - Agglutination, which suggests antisperm antibodies
Whole, unprocessed semen must never be introduced directly into the uterine cavity. The PRIMARY reason is that:
Correct answer: C - Prostaglandins in seminal plasma provoke severe uterine cramping
The Andrology Laboratory Scientist (ALS) exam is organized into 2 knowledge domains. These free practice questions are drawn from across them so you can see where you're strong and where to study:
The full bank has 1,020 more ALS questions with explanations.
Continue in the free practice test →
View plans