Nicholson SC, Robinson JN, Sargent IL, Barlow DH. Detection of antisperm antibodies in seminal plasma by flow cytometry: comparison with the indirect immunobead binding test.
Fertil Steril 1997;
68:1114-9. [PMID:
9418707 DOI:
10.1016/s0015-0282(97)00374-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To compare flow cytometry with the established indirect immunobead binding test (IBT) for the detection of antisperm antibodies in seminal plasma.
DESIGN
A prospective, comparative study.
SETTING
University-based andrology unit.
PATIENT(S)
One hundred and fifty-eight men with suspected male factor subfertility.
INTERVENTION(S)
Seminal plasma samples were incubated with antisperm antibody-negative donor sperm. Surface-bound antibody was detected with fluorescence-labeled antihuman antibody in the flow cytometry assay or with immunobead-labeled antihuman antibody in the IBT.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The percentage of sperm that tested positive for surface-bound antibody was determined in the two assays. Seminal plasma was antisperm antibody-positive when > or = 20% of the sperm were antibody-bound, and clinically significant levels were present when > or = 50% of the sperm were antibody-bound.
RESULT(S)
Of 71 samples that were negative by the IMT, 66 (93%) also were negative by flow cytometry. Of 63 samples that had > or = 50% immunobead binding, 55 had equivalent results by flow cytometry. Overall statistical analysis showed a good correlation between the two assays.
CONCLUSION(S)
There is a good correlation between the indirect IBT and indirect flow cytometry for the detection of antisperm antibodies in seminal plasma.
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