Sperm DNA Tests Are Clinically Useful: CON (original) (raw)

2018

Abstract

Sperm DNA integrity assays have gained interest as a potential test to discriminate infertile from fertile men and to direct management of infertile men. Despite a growing body of literature, controversy still exists regarding the ability of these assays to provide clinically useful information in the evaluation of the infertile man. As a routine test in the infertile couple, sperm DNA testing adds expense to the healthcare system and does not provide a clinical benefit for most couples. The techniques and thresholds are not standardized, and the results are variable over time. Because of suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, the tests do not differentiate clinically significant from insignificant fragmentation. Finally, the current assays cannot evaluate individual sperm used for ART, and suggested treatments lack adequate trials proving effectiveness. As a result, the test fails to change management. Despite the potential, at this point, DNA fragmentation testing does not fulfill the criteria of a clinically useful diagnostic test in the evaluation of the infertile male.

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