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Principle The SpermCHECK Male Fertility Test works by detecting an antigen (a protein compound) found on the surface of the head of a sperm cell known as SP-10. Research has shown that SP-10 concentrations can be used to determine sperm count number. To perform the test, you will mix your semen with a detergent-containing substance, called a buffer, which releases the SP-10 protein from the sperm. When a few drops of this mixture are added to the sample well, the SP-10 proteins contained in the mixture bind to a different protein compound containing colloidal gold. As this newly formed gold-SP10 complex flows through the test membrane, it will cause a reddish line to appear at the "test line" position in the results window if your sperm count is at least 20 million sperm per milliliter, indicating that you have a "normal" sperm count. If your sperm count is lower than 20 million sperm per milliliter, no reddish line will appear at the test line position. Studies conducted at the University of Virginia found the SpermCHECK Fertility test to be accurate 96 times out of 100. Background Sperm concentration is one of the primary factors used by physicians to diagnose male infertility. There are many reasons why a man may be infertile and therefore unable to fertilize the female ovum during reproduction. One primary and most common reason is an abnormally low production of viable sperm cells. Other reasons can be over production of inactive, weak, or deformed sperm cells, high levels of other cells in the semen that interfere with fertilization, or other physiological factors. Medical or physical conditions may also interfere with normal sperm cell production, including high stress, recent high fever or illness experienced within two months prior to testing, and abrupt changes in diet. Taking this initial screening test will indicate if a low amount of sperm production exists.
Up to 15% of couples experience infertility, which
is defined as the failure to become pregnant after one year of unprotected,
well-timed intercourse. And, in 40% of couples struggling with infertility
issues, male infertility is the primary cause. Because low sperm count is a
leading cause of male infertility, an important first step in determining the
cause of a couple’s infertility issues is to test the man’s sperm count.
However, a trip to a fertility clinic for a semen analysis is not for everyone.
These tests can be expensive (costing hundreds of dollars and not typically
covered by insurance), and are often embarrassing and inconvenient.
Test Procedure: A semen sample is collected in the liquefaction cup provided. The sample should be collected within 2-7 days after the last ejaculation. The sample should then be allowed to stand for twenty (20) minutes. Using the semen transfer device provided, fill the transfer device up to the black line indicated on the device with the semen sample. The semen sample is then added to the vial of fertility reagent test solution provided. Mix the semen sample and test solution by turning the vial upside down 5-10 times. Let the vial stand for an additional two minutes. Twist off the Fertility reagent vial cap and add 6 drops of the semen sample solution to the sample well on the test cassette device marked "S". Read the test results after 7 minutes. Interpretation of Test Results
The SpermCHECK™ Male Fertility Screening Test has recently been approved for use by the FDA, method and claims, and is now available to individuals and professionals concerned with male infertility. Each test kit contains all the components listed above including comprehensive instructions and reference documentation. The SpermCHECK™ Male Fertility test kit comes in sales units of 1,3,6 and 12 boxed kits.
For purchases greater than Twelve (12) kits please contact us by e-mail: Customer Service
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