Detection of semen in cervicovaginal secretions.
Sperm were detectable by microscopic examination in human cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens < or = 8 h after intercourse, whereas an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the monoclonal antibody MHS-5, specific for a seminal vesicle antigen present in semen detected semen at a concentration of 1:2,500,000 (0.00004%) in CVL specimens and was positive < or = 24 h following unprotected intercourse. We recommend the routine use of semen detection assays to reduce false-positive results attributable to semen contamination in assays of pathogens, antibodies, or other factors in cervicovaginal secretions.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Haimovici
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Anderson
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000737:chemistry*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; D012669:Seminal Vesicles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014621:Vagina / Q000737:chemistry*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; C043076:beta-microseminoprotein