F1: Semen Analysis (Part 4: Tests for Semen Analysis) Flashcards
- Done in cases where the sperm count is low
- Evaluates capacity of seminal vesicle to provide fructose to sperm
- Based on the principle of Resorcinol test
Seminal Fluid Fructose
Used as nutrition for sperm
Fructose
Specimens for fructose levels should be tested within how many hours to prevent what? If it cannot be tested within that time, what should be done?
2 hours of collection to prevent fructolysis (or frozen)
Positive result for Resorcinol Test?
Red Orange
Normal quantitative level of fructose?
Equal to or greater than 13 µmol per ejaculate
High or Low Fructose Levels?
- Abnormalities of the seminal vesicles
- Bilateral congenital absence of the vas deferens
- Obstruction of the ejaculatory duct
- Androgen deficiency
- Partial retrograde ejaculation
Low Fructose Levels
Phenomenon when the semen travels backwards into the bladder
Retrograde Ejaculation
- Uses Florence reagent (Iodine crystals and KI)
Florence Test
Composition of Florence reagent?
Iodine crystals and KI
Positive results of Florence Test?
Brown rhombic crystal (periodide of choline)
- Uses TCA and picric acid
Barbiero’s Test
Positive Results for Barbiero’s Test?
Yellow leaf-like crystals (spermine picrate)
- Test that utilizes a leukocyte esterase reagent strip that is used as screen for the presence of leukocytes
Leukocytes
- May be present in both men and women
- May be detected in semen, cervical mucosa, or serum
- Considered a possible cause of infertility
Anti-Sperm Antibodies
T or F: It is unusual for both partners to demonstrate antibodies, although male antisperm antibodies are more frequently encountered.
F (not unusual)
- Must be intact to prevent sensitizing the immune system from producing antibodies against own sperm
- Under normal conditions, this separates sperm from the male immune system
Blood Testes Barrier
When the blood testes barrier is disrupted, such as in surgery, vasectomy reversal or vasovasostomy, trauma, and infection, what happens?
The antigens on the sperm produce an immune response that damages the sperm.
T or F: The damaged sperm may cause the production of antibodies in the female partner.
T
Female or Male Sperm Antibody?
- You note clumps of sperm adhering to one another and poor motility
Male Sperm Antibodies
Female or Male Sperm Antibody?
- No clumps are seen
- After coitus, you examine cervical mucosa and you note clumps of sperm and poor motility
Female Sperm Antibodies
These are two frequently used tests to detect the presence of antibody-coated sperm.
- Mixed Agglutination Reaction (MAR)
- Immunobead Test