2014 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) was originally introduced and performed using flow cytometry in human sperm. The intent of the assay is to discriminate the proportion of double-(native) from single-stranded (denatured) DNA by measuring the amount of green and orange fluorescence emitted by the individual sperm. This chapter discusses step by step procedure for performing the SCSA on the fresh (raw or extended), flash frozen, or frozen-thawed sperm. The SCSA is used to complement other sperm quality assays so the clinician can render an opinion about a stallion's fertility status. The chapter also lists equipment and supplies needed to perform the SCSA.
