title: Hyaluronan binding assay (HBA) vs. sperm penetration assay (SPA): Can HBA replace the SPA test in male partner screening before in vitro fertilization?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if a less expensive, easier, and faster to perform HBA test is clinically equal to the more complicated, technically challenging and expensive SPA test as a reliable indicator of sperm fertilizing capacity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Andrology laboratory within In Vitro Fertilization Program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semen samples from 26 infertility couples were analyzed. Both, normal and male factor patients were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Male partner screening with the HBA and the SPA tests.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relationship between HBA and SPA test results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data obtained in this study showed no statistically significant relationship between the HBA and SPA results. The mean HBA scores 76.3%, 61.3% and 76.8% were statistically not significantly different as compared to patients with negative (<5), grey zone (5-8) and for positive (>8) sperm capacitation index values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The HBA is not predictive of the results of the SPA. Therefore, HBA test does not reduce the need for and cannot replace the SPA test in male partner screening prior to infertility treatment.
authors.affiliation: Toll Center for Reproductive Sciences, Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA, 19001, USA.
authors.forename: Jelena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lazarevic
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wikarczuk
authors.forename: Stephen G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Somkuti
authors.forename: Larry I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Barmat
authors.forename: Jay S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Schinfeld
authors.forename: Scott E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Smith