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Bioscreen Assay

AcroScreen®

Photometric Enzyme Method for Detecting Acrosin Activity in Spermatozoa

AcroScreenAcrosin is a sperm acrosomal protease that has an essential role in the fertilization process. Acrosin is released during the acrosome reaction. It has been shown to be involved in the subsequent binding of spermatozoa to the egg's zona pellucida and/or the penetration of spermatozoa through the zona pellucida. Low levels of acrosin appear to be associated with subfertility and infertility. Studies have further shown that total acrosin activity positively correlates with in vitro fertilization rates and a low acrosin activity in an otherwise normal ejaculate is associated with an impaired hamster egg penetration.

The acrosin activity of human ejaculates varies independently from the standard semen parameters such as sperm concentration, percent motility, sperm motion characteristics and morphology. Thus the enzyme may be an additional marker for human semen quality.

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CitricScreen®

CitricScreenPhotometric Method for Detecting Citric Acid in Seminal Plasma

Citric acid is produced by the prostate gland and is found in seminal plasma. The determination of citric acid concentration in seminal fluid therefore provides information about the secretory function of the prostate.  Low levels of citric acid have been found in men with genital tract inflammation.

The evaluation of prostatic function may reveal instances of subclinical prostatitis which may decrease male fertility as well as expose the female partner to infection.

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FructoScreen

Photometric Method for Detecting Fructose in Seminal Plasma

FructoScreenFructose is the major energy source for ejaculated spermatozoa. It is produced almost entirely in the seminal vesicles and is found in seminal plasma. The determination of fructose concentration in seminal plasma therefore can provide information about the secretory function of the seminal vesicles.  It is especially important to test for fructose if there are no sperm present, that is, if the semen is azoospermic. The seminal vesicles are responsive to levels of circulating testosterone. Seminal fructose is low in patients with low androgen levels and/or with congenital absence of the vas deferens and/or seminal vesicles or possible blockage of the vas deferens.

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ImmunoSpheres® Anti-IgA, Anti-IgG, Anti-IgM, Anti Ig(H&L)

Bead Method for the Detection of Sperm-Reactive IgA, IgG, IgM and Ig (Heavy and Light Chains) Antibodies

There is considerable evidence that antibodies directed against sperm surface antigens exert a fertility-reducing effect. When antisperm antibodies are present, they bind to the surface of the sperm. Such sperm-bound antibodies may impair sperm movement, penetration of the cumulus and/or zona pellucida, the acrosome reaction, interaction of sperm and egg as well as identify the sperm for destruction by the immune system. It has also been suggested that sperm antibodies may exert an embryotoxic effect. Finally, there is evidence that antibody concentration is correlated directly with the severity of sperm functional impairment and inversely with potential fertilizability.

For these reasons, many reproductive specialists screen sperm and/or serum for anti-sperm antibodies before choosing an appropriate Assisted Reproductive Technology.

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LeucoScreen™

LeucoScreenCytochemical Stain For Detecting Granulocytes in Semen

High white blood cell concentrations in semen, referred to as leucocytospermia, have been associated with genital tract infection and poor semen quality. The predominant white blood cell type is the polymorphonuclear granulocyte, normally comprising 50 - 80% of total seminal white blood cells. This subpopulation can be detected using a peroxidase test which visualizes the enzyme peroxidase in cells.

The WHO Manual classifies the detection of white blood cells in semen as a standard, rather than an optional, method for the examination of human semen.

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MarScreen® IgA, IgG and IgM

Bead Method for the Detection of  Sperm-Reactive IgA, IgG, and IgM Antibodies

# BeadsThere is considerable evidence that antibodies directed against sperm surface antigens exert a fertility-reducing effect. When antisperm antibodies are present, they bind to the surface of the sperm. Such sperm-bound antibodies may impair sperm movement, penetration of the cumulus and/or zona pellucida, the acrosome reaction, interaction of sperm and egg as well as identify the sperm for destruction by the immune system. It has also been suggested that sperm antibodies may exert an embryotoxic effect.  Finally, there is evidence that antibody concentration is correlated directly with the severity of sperm functional impairment and inversely with potential fertilizability.

For these reasons, many reproductive specialists screen sperm and/or serum for anti-sperm antibodies before choosing an appropriate Assisted Reproductive Technology.

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Sperm Antibody(IgG) and (IgA/IgG) Controls

Sperm Antibody (IgA/IgG) Controls  Positive Serum containing antisperm antibodies of the IgA and IgG subclasses and Negative Serum with no detectable antisperm antibodies.

Sperm Antibody (IgG) Controls Positive Serum containing antisperm antibodies of the IgG
subclass and Negative Serum with no detectable antisperm antibodies

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