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We offer a second opinion service where you can send us your hormone test results, sperm test results and other results. We offers our opinion based on our longstanding experience in this field on the phone. It will not be a face-to-face medical consultation.
The genetic integrity of the spermatozoa is vital for normal embryo development. A high level of DNA fragmentation in sperm cells is one cause of male infertility that conventional exams (sperm concentration, motility analysis, morphology assessment) cannot detect.
This test provides a reliable analysis of sperm DNA integrity and may help in the clinical diagnosis, management and treatment of male infertility.
Embryos formed from sperm with highly fragmented DNA have a poor prognosis. Evidence suggests this could result in apoptosis and mutations that can result in blastocyst arrest, miscarriage, offspring abnormalities and increased susceptibility to childhood cancer.
A major causative factor of sperm DNA damage is oxidative stress. Other factors include abnormalities in the regulation of apoptosis or defects in topoisomerase activity. Higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation is associated with:
You should consider the test if you have any of the following:
Sperm are stained with a fluorescent probe that interacts with the DNA molecule. The fluorescence signal changes when the DNA is fragmented, which is monitored by a flow cytometer. The SCSA test has been developed over the last 20 years and is CLIA approved.
The results show 3 categories of fertility potential, based on the percentage of your sperm cells that contain damaged DNA, also known as the DNA fragmentation index:
Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SCSA) £395
Sperm Comet £450
Includes a report, follow-up phone call to explain the result and to talk about potential treatments.
2–3 working weeks
Some causes of DNA fragmentation cannot be treated, but if the damage is caused by free radicals, then a change in lifestyle and diet to protect against oxidative stress can reduce fragmentation levels.
Treatment of infection with antibiotics can also reduce DNA fragmentation. There is some evidence to show varicocele repair may improve sperm DNA integrity. A second test to see if initiatives are working can be done 3 months after the first.
There is increasing research to show Chinese herbal medicine, which contains high levels of antioxidants, may help oxidative stress.
Studies show that ICSI may be a more effective treatment than IVF for sperm with high DNA fragmentation.
We will explain the results to you and explore your options if there are issues. As a reputable laboratory carries out our tests, the results are accepted by all doctors and clinics in the world. Most results are available between 1 and 3 days.
Have a look at our comprehensive set of pathology tests below.
We’re also happy to offer advice on which tests you may want to take, and help interpret any results you already have.
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While we are happy to explain your test results to you, we always advise consulting your GP and having a proper medical consultation about your result. This is because these tests are Western medical tests and are best explained by Western medical doctors. We do not accept any liability regarding interpretation of test results should you wish us help explaining them.
If you have booked a test and decide to change the time or date, we are more than happy to help you change it to one that is convenient to you at no extra charge. However, cancellation will carry a small administrative fee of £30, before refund.
