Oxidative stress levels in semen (ROS test ):
Sperm produce small amount of free oxygen radicals (ROS)that are required for their normal function, heigh levels of free oxygen radicals will build up, causing oxidative stress. This leads to sperm damage and consequently affects fertility.ROS can be simply measured in a fresh semen sample.
- ROS can cause poor sperm motility and vitality, poor sperm shape (morphology) and reduced sperm count.
- ROS levels can be high in men with both normal and abnormal semen parameters.
- High ROS levels cause sperm DNA fragmentation
- High ROS levels are correlated with an increased time to natural pregnancy
- High ROS levels impair fertilisation, affect blastocyst development and reduce pregnancy rates after IVF.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test:
This test interprets the difference between fragmented and intact DNA in spermatozoa. The test is easy fast, reliable, reproducible and equivalent to SCSA.
hTS-HOST (Hypo-Osmotic Swelling Test) :
This test evaluates response of spermatozoa to hypo-osmotic strss.This test is a good index of healthy spermatozoa.
hTS-AIST (Acrosome Intactness Slide Test) :
This test evaluates the functional status of sperm acrosome and is a good indicator of sperm’s ability to penetrate the oocyte investments.
hTs-NCDT (Nuclear Chromatin Decondensation Test) :
This test can be used to find out whether decrease in fertilizing potential has relation to sperm head chromatin.
Sperm Morphology Test :
Evaluate defects of Head, neck and tail of sperm.
These tests can be performed on patients before undergoing IUI/IVF for better results.