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Фрагментация ДНК в эякуляте человека

Code:6033

Analysis details

Methodology

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Expected Turnaround Time

1 day

Special Instructions

  • Avoid all alcohol for 6–7 days before specimen collection.
  • Prevent any intoxication (tobacco, illicit drugs, workplace exposures, medications, or other toxins); if exposure occurs, schedule testing 5–10 days later.
  • Do not take medications for 24 hours before testing unless approved by the treating clinician.
  • The day before collection, avoid strenuous exercise and high-stress situations.
  • Maintain sexual abstinence for at least 2 days and no more than 7 days prior to collection; use the same abstinence interval for repeat tests to limit variability.
  • Avoid heat exposure (sauna/steam bath, occupational hyperthermia, or fever) for 7 days before testing.
  • Do not undergo physiotherapy or radiographic studies during the 72 hours before collection.
  • If a prostate massage was performed, wait 3–4 days before providing the specimen.
  • After recovery from acute illnesses with fever, collect the sample 7–10 days later.
  • After treatment of inflammatory disorders of the genitourinary tract, collect the sample after 2 weeks.
  • Empty the bladder immediately before producing the semen sample.
  • Do not use a condom or any lubricants, including saliva, for collection.
  • Wash hands and external genitalia before masturbation.
  • Collect the entire ejaculate.

How to use

Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) by the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) method, also known as the Halosperm test, assesses the integrity of nuclear DNA in ejaculated spermatozoa. The assay estimates the proportion of sperm with fragmented DNA, supporting evaluation of a man's fertility potential. It is employed in the diagnostic workup of an infertile couple, in planning or optimizing assisted reproductive procedures such as IVF, and in investigations related to recurrent pregnancy loss where paternal genomic integrity is a consideration.

Limitations

Infertility affects an estimated 48.5 million couples worldwide, with a male contribution reported in roughly 20% to 70% of cases. The World Health Organization defines infertility as failure to achieve pregnancy after one year or more of regular intercourse without contraception. Within this context, measurement of sperm DNA fragmentation has gained prominence as an indicator of paternal genomic integrity that may influence the likelihood of conception and pregnancy maintenance. Sperm DNA integrity can be compromised by a broad range of exposures and conditions, including intoxications, occupational hazards, adverse environmental influences, unhealthy lifestyle factors, varicocele, infections and inflammatory diseases of the male reproductive tract, cigarette smoking, use of narcotic substances, febrile illnesses, and advanced age. As the burden of DNA damage increases, genomic integrity declines and the probability of achieving pregnancy decreases. Although sperm harboring damaged DNA may still fertilize an oocyte, elevated fragmentation has been associated with failed assisted reproduction attempts and with recurrent miscarriage in natural conception. DNA damage in sperm is also linked to an increased risk of oncogenic processes and the transmission of genetic defects to offspring. The sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay evaluates DNA fragmentation by visualizing chromatin halo formation after controlled processing of the ejaculate. Sperm with intact DNA produce prominent halos of dispersed DNA loops following enzyme treatment and staining, whereas sperm with fragmented DNA generate very small halos or none at all. Across cohorts, men evaluated for infertility generally demonstrate higher SDF levels than fertile controls, supporting the test’s role in male fertility assessment.

Reference interval
MinMax
015
IndicationsMale partner evaluation in an infertile couple when pregnancy has not occurred after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (approximately 2–3 times per week)., Assessment in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as three or more consecutive spontaneous miscarriages before 22 weeks’ gestation., Workup after repeated failed in vitro fertilization attempts and during preparation for IVF., Evaluation when embryo abnormalities are documented during an IVF cycle.

Specimen Requirements

SpecimenSemen
ContainerSterile Container