Sperm Antibody Testing

Sperm antibody testing (immunobead test) is done selectively on men who are at increased risk for having sperm antibodies. Antibodies that are attached to the sperm can impair sperm motility. They also can impair the ability of sperm to penetrate and fertilize an egg. Antibodies are most commonly found in men who have had a vasectomy reversal. They can also be found in men who have had testicular trauma, surgery or infections.

The test for sperm antibodies requires the man to produce a semen sample as is done for a routine semen analysis. The andrology lab will then perform the specialized testing to determine if antibodies are present on the sperm. The immunobead test will determine which type of antibody is present and where on the sperm they are attached. The sperm antibody test is performed on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in our lab.