МАR-тест (антитела Ig G на поверхности сперматозоидов)
Code:6031
Analysis details
Methodology
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Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Special Instructions
- Maintain ejaculatory abstinence for at least 2 days and no more than 7 days; use the same abstinence interval for repeat testing.
- Avoid alcohol completely for 6–7 days before collection.
- With clinician approval, hold nonessential medications for 24 hours before the test.
- Avoid heat exposure for 7 days prior, including sauna/steam baths, occupational hyperthermia, and febrile illness.
- Do not undergo physiotherapy or radiologic examinations within 72 hours before collection.
- Avoid intoxication from tobacco, recreational drugs, occupational exposures, or toxic agents; if intoxication occurs, postpone testing for 5–10 days.
- After an acute febrile illness (including respiratory infections), wait 7–10 days before providing a specimen.
- Wait 3–4 days after prostate massage before collection.
- After treatment of inflammatory genitourinary conditions, wait 2 weeks before testing.
- On the day before collection, avoid strenuous exercise and acute psychosocial stress.
- Empty the bladder immediately before specimen collection.
- Do not use condoms or lubricants, including saliva, to collect the ejaculate.
- Wash hands and external genitalia before masturbation.
- Collect the entire ejaculate.
How to use
Semen analysis with MAR test (mixed antiglobulin reaction, SpermMAR) assesses routine ejaculate parameters together with surface‑bound antisperm antibodies of the IgA and IgG classes. The combined evaluation supports assessment of male fertility potential and identifies immunologic contributors to subfertility. It is used to investigate causes of impaired conception, inform selection of assisted reproductive techniques (including artificial insemination), aid the differential diagnosis of reproductive tract conditions such as prostatitis, and document response after therapy. The test is also employed to monitor the effectiveness of vasectomy and to track changes following treatment.
Limitations
Approximately 1 in 15 couples experience difficulty conceiving, and in about 20–25% of cases a male factor is implicated. Semen abnormalities range from azoospermia to reduced sperm number or quality. For this reason, semen analysis forms the foundation of male fertility assessment, and pairing it with a MAR test helps identify an immunologic component by detecting antisperm antibodies. Normal seminal physiology depends on coordinated function of the testes, seminal vesicles, and prostate. The seminal vesicles contribute the majority of ejaculate volume (approximately 45–80%). Seminal fluid is alkaline, buffering the acidic vaginal environment, and contains fructose to fuel sperm motility. Only about 1% of the total volume consists of spermatozoa and testicular fluid from the testes. Male infertility arises from diverse etiologies that impair production or function of sperm. Varicocele accounts for roughly 40% of cases and is typically addressed surgically. Inflammation of the testes represents about 10% and may result from malignancy, infections such as mumps, genetic disorders including Klinefelter syndrome, trauma, or prior radiation and chemotherapy. Hydrocele contributes an additional ~10%. Endocrine disorders that disrupt spermatogenesis comprise approximately 9% and are often associated with pituitary or adrenal hypoplasia or hyperestrogenemia. Obstruction of the ejaculatory duct is responsible for about 5% of cases. Antisperm autoantibodies are identified in approximately 1–2% of men with infertility, underscoring the value of MAR testing alongside conventional semen analysis.
| Reference interval | — |
|---|---|
| Indications | Evaluation of a male partner for suspected infertility or subfertility, Preconception assessment when reduced fecundity is a concern, including a history of mumps (epididymo‑orchitis), Workup prior to assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization or intrauterine/artificial insemination, Post‑vasectomy follow‑up to confirm contraceptive effectiveness, Postoperative assessment after procedures that may alter spermatogenesis (for example, varicocelectomy), Assessment when a urologic disorder is suspected, Evaluation after conditions associated with disruption of the blood–testis barrier, including prior infections, varicocele, cryptorchidism, trauma, surgery, or malignancy |
Specimen Requirements
| Specimen | Semen |
|---|---|
| Container | Sterile Container |