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SpermComet Results Guide

DNA in sperm

Paint a clearer fertility profile picture with the SpermComet test. HOW? Measuring sperm DNA damage in individual sperm using the most sensitive test.       [tweetthis]SpermComet: most sensitive test that can measure sperm DNA damage in individual sperm [/tweetthis]
We’re probably all familiar with with the term SPERM COUNT that deals with the quantity of sperm. However, what most of us know less about is SPERM QUALITY.


For couples trying for a baby, when it comes to sperm quality, conventional semen analysis tells us little. One in Four couples in the Uk have difficulty starting a family. The Sperm DNA test may help guide couples. Don’t wast time. Find out if it’s worthwhile taking this test – the most sensitive of its kind – contact us 0207-060-3181


If you’ve already been trying for a baby, or even just starting to think about it, measuring sperm DNA damage in individual sperm paints a clearer fertility profile picture:  [tweetthis]Trying for a baby, or starting to think about it? See your fertility profile clearly[/tweetthis]


<25% Damage = Sperm DNA damage is not the major cause of infertility Damage

>25% Damage = Sperm DNA damage is a cause of infertility

-> Refer to fertility clinic

25-49% Damage = Sperm DNA damage is a cause of infertility

-> Lifestyle Changes + Antioxidants
-> IVF may be the best option

>50% Sperm DNA Damage

-> Lifestyle Changes + Antioxidants
-> ICSI may be the best option

>50% Sperm DNA Damage & Failed ICSI

-> Lifestyle Changes + Antioxidants
-> Testicular Biopsy may be the best option
-> Alternatively ICSI with donor sperm may be considered


ICSI – Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection – is the most successful form of treatment for men who are infertile and is used in nearly half of all IVF treatments (HFEA 2010). ICSI only requires one sperm, which is injected directly into the egg. The fertilised egg (embryo) is then transferred to your uterus (womb) (HFEA 2009a)


 One in six couples has difficulty having a baby: in 40 per cent of these cases, the difficulty is associated with the man.


Susannah2

When it comes to sperm, not talking about it means many couples trying for a baby may be missing out on information that could improve their chances… information that could help reduce the loss of valuable time and financial costs and – not least – the emotional heartache that can be hardest of all.

When IVF fails it’s a frustrating situation for couples and their fertility doctors. Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing results can help be a guide for couples.

Sperm DNA testing UK

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Sperm DNA

Testing Sperm DNA damage  can help couples optimise diet and lifestyle for fertility. DNA fragmentation testing, The Tunel assay and sperm chromatin dispersion Halo test will be compared. Read on. At Susannah Makram Clinics we offer the best type of sperm DNA fragmentation testing  – a type of male fertility testing. At consultation we address the pros and cons of test so you can decide. Ask us how. 0207 060 3181

Couples – who benefits from a sperm DNA test?

Sperm DNA testing UK consultation . We provide essential information regrading lifestyle and our environment based on your health and fertility story so far. We outline what use of the test means for you and your partner. We can suggest which clinics guide couples to their bespoke treatment, for their particular needs. These include couples with:

  • Unexplained infertility
  • Men with normal semen by semen analysis (normal sperm count and sperm motility) prior to IVF
  • Couples who have had unsuccessful IVF 
  • Couple with no success using ICSI
  • Couples who have had miscarriages

Sperm DNA damage – Which Test?

The Comet assay – The SpermComet Test – Lewis Fertility testing at Susannah Makram Clinics

Extensive clinical trials and statistics that prove this test is the best indicator for, not only choosing the right treatment, but also to test when Sperm DNA Damage reversal IN THE FOUR PHASES is successful thus.

 

Sperm DNA testing Uk

All testing in and outside of the UK to measure sperm DNA damage are different. The Spermcomet test is described by Prof Lewis and was featured in Daily Mail recently. The current range of sperm DNA tests measure different aspects of DNA damage. The tests all have different sensitivities. The tests also provide information that may or may not provide couples with treatment advice.

The four tests most often used today are: 1) the Comet assay, 2) SCSA, 3) the terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and the 4) Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD or Halo) test.


We want only the best for couple visiting our clinic for consultation. If we recommend the test we use data collected to actively reverse sperm DNA damage. this care pathway is unique for every couple at Susannah Makram Clinics. 


 

The Comet assay – The SpermComet Test

The comet assay is a second generation sperm DNA test. Unlike the other three tests, it quantifies the actual amount of DNA damage per sperm. Super DNSA testing UK – result guide can de found here.

One major advantage of this assay is that it uses only 5000 sperm. Therefore, it is suitable for the assessment of small samples left over from clinical use, or for samples where only a few sperm are available.

The Comet assay can measure both single and double strand breaks. With an additional step, the SpermComet can measure even altered bases.


This is useful because we do not yet know which types of DNA damage are most deleterious to male fertility.       [tweetthis]We do not yet know which types of #DNA damage are most deleterious to #malefertility. [/tweetthis]


The Comet is sensitive, repeatable and capable of detecting damage in every sperm. This is high sensitivity is evident of fertile donors. Since 2010, clinical thresholds for the diagnosis of male infertility and the prediction of successful IVF have been established.

At Susannah Makram Clinics we use The Comet Assay in our laboratory testing


 

The Sperm chromatin structure assay

The SCSA is a fluorescence cell sorter test which measures the susceptibility of sperm DNA to denaturation after exposure to heat or acid conditions.

The clinical threshold for this test is a DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of 30%- that means 30% of the sperm have damage (with quantification into moderate or high damage) and 70% have no detectable damage.

Couples with >30% damage are more likely to have success with ICSI than IVF

The TUNEL assay

The TUNEL assay detects ‘nicks’ (free ends of DNA) by incorporating fluorescent stained nucleotides. This allows the detection of single and double stranded damage.

The TUNEL has major potential but robust clinical thresholds have yet to be established.

The sperm chromatin dispersion (Halo) test

The Halo test is a ‘cheap and convenient’ kit form of sperm DNA testing. It is a simple and inexpensive assay, available in fertility labs for in house use.

Unlike all the other tests, the HALO measures the absence of damage, rather than the damaged DNA in sperm.

One limitation of the assay is that its low-density nucleoids are relatively faint, with less contrasting images.

To date, correlations have been observed between DNA and other sperm parameters. Few correlations between sperm DNA damage and ART outcomes have been established with the Halo test, even in large studies.


Safe, clinical, practical and effective.


Call  020 7060 3181