SpermCheck Fertility, an immunodiagnostic home test that detects normozoospermia and severe oligozoospermia.

BACKGROUND

A simple and inexpensive home sperm test could be of considerable value to couples attempting to conceive and to men curious about their fertility potential. A two-strip lateral flow immunochromatographic diagnostic device that allows men to evaluate their sperm count at low cost in the privacy of their own homes is described.

METHODS

The ability of SpermCheck Fertility to predict sperm counts obtained using a hemacytometer procedure based on standard World Health Organization methodology was assessed. Test results obtained by lay users were also compared with those obtained by trained laboratory professionals, and the ease of use of the device was evaluated in consumer studies.

RESULTS

A total of 225 semen samples were analyzed in the method comparison, and the performance of SpermCheck Fertility was excellent with over 96% of all samples correctly classified as normozoospermic (> or =2 x 10(7) sperm/ml), oligozoospermic (5 x 10(6)-2 x 10(7) sperm/ml) or severely oligozoospermic (<5 x 10(6) sperm/ml). Consumer studies with 164 lay users demonstrated that SpermCheck Fertility was easy to use. Lay users and laboratory professionals agreed 95% of the time when reading the same test independently. Overall, the correct response rate on a 20-question survey about the test was over 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

SpermCheck Fertility is a simple and reliable immunodiagnostic test that can quickly inform men as to whether their sperm count is normal, low or very low. This home test can assist couples in deciding whether to seek comprehensive clinical evaluation of the fertility status of the male partner.