Q: I am aware that there are many factors other than sperm concentration involved in male infertility, so why should I buy this kit?
A: The FertilMARQ Home Diagnostic Screening Test Kit offers privacy and helps you avoid the embarrassment of masturbation at the doctors office. In addition, concentration is one of the most critical determinants of male infertility, as defined by the World Health Organization. As a screening test, it offers useful information to both yourself and your physician to help diagnose male infertility. In comparison, ovulation tests (that measure hormonal surges) do not necessarily guarantee fertility either, yet the test is a very useful indicator.

Q: How should the semen sample be collected? Is collection directly into the liquefaction cup or use of one of the condoms provided with the kit equally effective?
A: We recommend either method. If one of the condoms provided with the kit is used, squeeze all the semen collected into the Liquefaction Cup. If semen is collected directly into the Liquefaction Cup, care must be taken to conserve all of the semen sample for the test.

Q: Why wait at least 15 minutes but not longer than 12 hours after adding the semen to the Liquefaction Cup to start the test?
A: Semen is very thick (gel-like) and normally takes 30 to 60 minutes to thin (liquefy). Using the specially treated Liquefaction Cup provided with the kit, the semen sample should liquefy within 15 minutes. Waiting up to 12 hours before starting the test is acceptable. Keep the provided lid on the Liquefaction Cup and swirl the contents before beginning the test.

Q: There are small flakes at the bottom of the Liquefaction Cup. Should I still use the cup?
A: Yes. This flaking may occur due to normal shipping and handling. Do not remove these flakes. When the sample is added to the Liquefaction Cup, the flakes are absorbed and help to liquefy the sample.

Q: Does it really matter how much semen or solution is added to the Test Well B (or Test Well D)?
A: Yes. Add only the number of drops specified in the instructions.

Q: I made a mistake using Test Well B. What should I do?
A: Restart the test using Test Well D and Reference Well C. After completing the test and reading the results, discard the cassette. Since you used both Test Wells for the first sample, you will not be able to use the same cassette for testing a second sample. Obtain a new test kit and test a second sample 3- 7 days after the first sample was tested or consult your physician. Your physician may perform a second sperm count in the office.

Q: A: blue color appeared after adding the Blue dye solution to the Test Well (B or D) but before the Clear wash solution was added. Does this mean that the test is positive?
A: Not necessarily. Complete the test using the Clear solution before comparing the color in the Test Well to the Reference Color.

Q: How long should it take for the semen or solutions to drain through the filter?
A: It usually takes just seconds for either the semen or solutions to drain through the filter. If it takes longer than 5 minutes for any of the drops to drain, the semen may not have adequately liquefied and the sample is too viscous. Repeat the test using a new semen sample.

Q: How long should I wait between tests?
A: You should wait at least 3 days after ejaculating before you collect semen for testing. For best results, you should wait at least 3 days and no more than 7 days between tests.

Q: Do two positive test results indicate that I am fertile?
A: Not necessarily. Besides low sperm concentration, there are other causes of infertility. Infertility could be due to high semen viscosity, a low semen volume, a high percentage of immotile sperm, presence of leukocytes in semen, anti-sperm antibodies, etc. Therefore, test results should be interpreted by your physician.

Q: Do two negative tests indicate that I am infertile?
A: Not necessarily. A: low sperm concentration may be an indicator of infertility, but may also be due to a temporary or more long lasting medical condition or physical factor that does not cause infertility even if your sperm concentration is low. You should consult your physician if you obtain two negative results. 

Q: I ran two tests six days apart and got one positive and one negative result. Why do I need to wait 10 weeks to repeat the test (see Interpreting Results)?
A: Since waves of sperm are produced every 70 days, waiting 10 weeks allows time for a new batch of sperm to be produced before retesting. Sperm production is influenced by physical, emotional and psychological factors, such as the concentration of hormones in the blood, stress, high fever, exercise, traveling, surgery, medication, and changes in diet. These factors may result in a decreased sperm concentration. By waiting 10 weeks, you will test a new batch of sperm and reduce the chance that the results of both test series are affected by these factors.

Q: Are the solutions safe?
A: Yes. All components of the kit have been approved as safe for home use by the U.S. FDA. However, kit solutions should be handled with care and disposed of promptly after the kit has been used for the two semen tests.

Q: What could cause errors in test results?
A: It is important to follow the test procedure instructions to ensure an accurate result (see Q:6 if you suspect you made an error using Test Well B). Also, improper collection or handling of the semen sample may cause errors. It is especially important that the semen remains in the Liquefaction Cup for at least 15 minutes prior to testing. Otherwise, it may not drain through the filter. Some semen samples may not liquefy properly, even though you have followed all the instructions. This is a condition of the semen called “high viscosity” and should be discussed with your physician.

Q: Does medication affect test results?
A: Certain medication may affect sperm concentration and viscosity. This possibility should be discussed with your physician.