Anti Sperm AntiBody (ASAB)

Immunity

Report in 120Hrs

At Home

No Fasting Required

Details

Detects antibodies against sperm cells.

₹1,820₹2,601

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Anti Sperm Antibody (ASAB) Test - Comprehensive Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Measures the presence of antibodies that attack sperm cells, which can impair sperm function and motility
- Evaluates immune-mediated infertility in both men and women
- Investigates unexplained infertility when standard semen analysis appears normal
- Assesses potential causes of recurrent pregnancy loss or failed assisted reproductive treatments
- Evaluates men with history of vasectomy reversal or testicular trauma
- Examines women with suspected immune factor infertility or cervical mucus-related issues
- Typically performed during initial infertility workup or when conventional treatments have failed
Normal Range
- Standard Reference Values:
- Negative Result: <1% or <10% of sperm coated with antibodies (depending on methodology and laboratory)
- Positive Result: ≥10-50% of sperm coated with antibodies (indicating clinical significance)
- Borderline/Equivocal: 1-10% of sperm coated with antibodies (may require repeat testing or additional investigation)
- Units of Measurement:
- Percentage (%) of sperm coated with antibodies
- Antibody titers (when using quantitative immunoassay methods)
- Result Interpretation:
- Normal: No detectable antibodies suggest absence of immune-mediated sperm dysfunction
- Abnormal: Presence of anti-sperm antibodies indicates potential immune-based infertility
Interpretation
- Negative Results (<1-10%):
- Indicates absence of clinically significant anti-sperm antibodies
- Suggests immune system is not contributing to infertility
- Other causes of infertility should be investigated
- Positive Results (≥10-50%):
- Indicates presence of clinically significant anti-sperm antibodies bound to sperm surface
- May reduce sperm motility and fertilization capacity
- Can impair sperm-egg interaction and embryo development
- Suggests immune-mediated contribution to infertility
- Highly Positive Results (>50%):
- Indicates severe immune-mediated infertility with substantial proportion of antibody-coated sperm
- Associated with significant reduction in natural conception rates
- May require assisted reproductive technology (ART) intervention
- Factors Affecting Results:
- Recent ejaculation or sexual abstinence duration (abstinence >7 days may increase antibody detection)
- Genital tract infections or inflammation affecting immune response
- Systemic immune disorders or autoimmune conditions
- Testing methodology (immunobead assay, flow cytometry, ELISA)
- Specimen quality and handling procedures
- Laboratory-specific reference ranges and cut-off values
- Clinical Significance:
- Accounts for approximately 5-10% of unexplained infertility cases
- Affects both male and female fertility through different mechanisms
- In men: directly damages sperm function and reduces motility
- In women: antibodies in cervical mucus or serum may prevent sperm passage or fertilization
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
- Reproductive system (testes, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles in males)
- Female reproductive tract (uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, cervical mucus)
- Immune system (B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, antibody-producing cells)
- Associated Medical Conditions:
- Immune-mediated infertility (primary condition)
- Post-vasectomy reversal syndrome
- Testicular trauma or injury-induced antibody formation
- Recurrent genital infections (prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis)
- Systemic autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome)
- Unexplained infertility in both men and women
- Recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure
- Failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles
- Diseases This Test Helps Diagnose:
- Immune infertility syndrome
- Antisperm antibody-mediated male factor infertility
- Immune factor infertility in females
- Complications Associated with Positive Results:
- Reduced or absent natural conception despite normal sexual function
- Impaired sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
- Sperm agglutination (clumping) reducing fertilization potential
- Impaired sperm-ovum interaction and fertilization
- Embryo developmental abnormalities
- Recurrent implantation failure during ART procedures
- Psychological and emotional impact of prolonged infertility
Follow-up Tests
- Additional Tests Based on Positive Results:
- Repeat ASAB testing (confirmatory test if results are borderline or equivocal)
- Comprehensive semen analysis (volume, concentration, motility, morphology)
- Sperm viability testing (live/dead staining)
- Sperm function tests (penetration assays, binding studies)
- Postcoital test (Sims test) in women - evaluates sperm survival in cervical mucus
- Anti-sperm antibody testing in female serum and cervical secretions
- Sperm wash and capacitation procedures (preparation for intrauterine insemination)
- Further Investigations:
- Hormone profile (FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, thyroid function)
- Pelvic ultrasound or transvaginal ultrasound (evaluate female reproductive anatomy)
- Testicular ultrasound (detect varicocele, testicular size abnormalities)
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG) or contrast-enhanced sonohysterography (evaluate tubal patency)
- Diagnostic laparoscopy (assess endometriosis, pelvic adhesions)
- Autoimmune disorder screening (ANA, rheumatoid factor if systemic symptoms present)
- Infectious disease testing if genital tract infection suspected (chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma cultures)
- Monitoring Frequency:
- If positive: repeat testing after 2-3 months to confirm persistence of antibodies
- Serial testing every 3-6 months if undergoing immunosuppressive or corticosteroid therapy
- Repeat after treatment interventions (antibiotic therapy for infections, immunosuppression)
- Routine monitoring not typically needed if negative; retesting only if clinical circumstances change
- Complementary Tests:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation testing (evaluates genetic integrity of sperm)
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement in semen (oxidative stress assessment)
- Embryo quality assessment and preimplantation genetic testing (in ART cycles)
- NK cell activity testing (if recurrent implantation failure in ART)
Fasting Required?
- Fasting: No
- Fasting is NOT required for anti-sperm antibody testing
- Patient can eat and drink normally before the test
- Patient Preparation Requirements:
- For semen sample (male testing): Abstain from sexual activity and ejaculation for 2-7 days before collection (recommend 3-5 days for optimal results)
- Avoid any genital tract irritants or lubricants prior to semen collection
- Collect semen sample by masturbation into a sterile container provided by laboratory
- Maintain sample at body temperature (transport in temperature-controlled container if necessary)
- Process sample within 1-2 hours of collection for optimal results
- For blood serum sample (female or male serum testing): No special preparation needed
- For cervical mucus sample (female testing): Abstain from sexual activity for 24-48 hours before collection
- Avoid douching, vaginal medications, and intercourse before sample collection
- Medications to Avoid/Discontinue:
- Do NOT discontinue regular medications without consulting physician
- Inform laboratory personnel of all current medications, particularly immunosuppressants or corticosteroids
- Avoid topical lubricants or spermicides for 48 hours before semen collection
- Avoid excessive heat exposure or hot baths for 24 hours before semen collection (heat affects sperm quality)
- Additional Special Instructions:
- Confirm specimen type required with laboratory before testing (semen, blood serum, cervical secretions, or combination)
- Provide accurate collection date and time to laboratory
- Disclose any recent genital tract infections, inflammation, or medical procedures to provider
- Report if taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapy, as these may affect results
- Results typically available within 3-7 business days depending on laboratory

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