Aim:To perform quality control studies on testicular volume measurements for a multi-center epidemiological study of male reproductive function.Methods:We constructed a data matrix with a balanced assignment for 2 con...Aim:To perform quality control studies on testicular volume measurements for a multi-center epidemiological study of male reproductive function.Methods:We constructed a data matrix with a balanced assignment for 2 consecutive days by ten investigators(andrological career:4-21 years)from five institutions and 12 male volunteers aged 20-26 years.Testicular volume was measured by Prader's orchidometer.A skilled technician also perfornled an ultrasound estimate of testicular volume.Results:A statistically significant inter-investigator variation was found *'or both testes (P<0.05).In addition,there was a statistically significant investigator-by-volunteer interaction in testicular volume measurement(P<0.01).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the two measurements performed on consecutive days for either testis.The testicular volumes for both the right and left testes as estimated by ultrasonog- raphy were smaller than results using the orchidometer.However,there was no statistical significance(P>0.05).The difference in experiences of the investigators did not significantly correlate with accuracy of measurements in either testis.Conclusion:The present study revealed significant differences in the results of estimation of testicular volume among the ten investigators,but intra-investigator variation was not considerable.Improved training and proper standardization of the measurement will be necessary before starting a multi-center study based on an andrological examination,展开更多
文摘Aim:To perform quality control studies on testicular volume measurements for a multi-center epidemiological study of male reproductive function.Methods:We constructed a data matrix with a balanced assignment for 2 consecutive days by ten investigators(andrological career:4-21 years)from five institutions and 12 male volunteers aged 20-26 years.Testicular volume was measured by Prader's orchidometer.A skilled technician also perfornled an ultrasound estimate of testicular volume.Results:A statistically significant inter-investigator variation was found *'or both testes (P<0.05).In addition,there was a statistically significant investigator-by-volunteer interaction in testicular volume measurement(P<0.01).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the two measurements performed on consecutive days for either testis.The testicular volumes for both the right and left testes as estimated by ultrasonog- raphy were smaller than results using the orchidometer.However,there was no statistical significance(P>0.05).The difference in experiences of the investigators did not significantly correlate with accuracy of measurements in either testis.Conclusion:The present study revealed significant differences in the results of estimation of testicular volume among the ten investigators,but intra-investigator variation was not considerable.Improved training and proper standardization of the measurement will be necessary before starting a multi-center study based on an andrological examination,
