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Anti-sperm Antibodies IgG Test Kit (MAR Assay)

Screening for Immune-Mediated Infertility: The Clinical Value of the IgG MAR Assay

What it is

Similar to the IgA test, the Anti-sperm Antibodies IgG Test Kit (MAR Assay) detects IgG-class antibodies. IgG is the most common class of anti-sperm antibody found in both seminal plasma and on the sperm surface.

Why it is Essential

IgG antibodies are often the first line of screening for Immunological Infertility. They typically arise from a breach in the blood-testis barrier caused by: Testicular Trauma or Surgery: Such as vasectomy reversal or biopsy. Infections: Chronic prostatitis or epididymitis. Detecting IgG is vital for deciding the clinical pathway; if >50% of motile sperm are coated with IgG, it strongly suggests that the immune system is actively neutralizing the patient's fertility.

How it Aligns with Standards

Our kit utilizes the "Direct MAR Test" protocol recommended by the WHO. By performing the test on raw, unwashed semen, we avoid the risk of antibody "elution" (stripping) that occurs during centrifugation, which is a common cause of false negatives in other testing methods.

References

  1. Clarke GN, et al. (1985). "Detection of anti-sperm antibodies of IgG class." American Journal of Reproductive Immunology.
  2. WHO (2021). WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, 6th Edition.

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