A convenient mixed immunobeads screen for antisperm antibodies during routine semen analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if leftover unused IgG, IgA, and IgM immunobeads could be combined as a convenient screen for antisperm antibodies in unwashed sperm. For comparisons, the mixed antiglobulin reaction (SpermMar) and immunobead test were performed.


METHODS
Prospective comparative study.


METHODS
Clinical and academic research environment.


METHODS
Donor human sperm negative for antisperm antibodies.


METHODS
Sperm specimens (n = 9) were equally divided and sera with antisperm antibodies added to one portion (positive control).


METHODS
Assessment of antisperm antibodies in sperm.


RESULTS
The mixed immunobeads screen qualitative results were the same for both the SpermMar and immunobead tests. The mixed immunobeads screen (positive when > or =10% motile sperm was bound) had a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The percentages of bound sperm for the mixed immunobeads screen correlated with the SpermMar but not the immunobead test. The mixed immunobeads screen intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation were 28.9% and 45.6%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Matching results between the mixed immunobeads screen and the SpermMar or immunobead test suggested that the screen could be used to detect antisperm antibodies in unwashed sperm. There was no advantage to washing the sperm, although the screen was flexible and applicable for both unwashed and washed sperm.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California 92350, USA.
M L
ML
Evans
P J
PJ
Chan
W C
WC
Patton
A
A
King
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G