ACROBEADS TEST - A NEW DIAGNOSTIC-TEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE FERTILIZING-CAPACITY OF HUMAN SPERMATOZOA

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the Acrobeads test for predicting the outcome of IVF. Design: Human spermatozoa express the CD46 molecule (membrane cofactor protein) on their heads after the acrosome reaction. CD46-positive spermatozoa formed a sperm-bead complex with immunobeads coated with anti-CD46 monoclonal antibody. In the Acrobeads test, fertilizing capacity was determined by assessing sperm-bead agglutination. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Hospital. Participants: Thirty-seven donors of proven fertility and 88 male partners of infertile couples. Main Outcome Measures: We carried out the Acrobeads test and a sperm penetration assay (SPA) using zona-free hamster oocytes within 3 months before IVF and we then analyzed the results in relation to IVF outcome. Results: The sensitivity of the Acrobeads test and SPA was 100% and 88%, respectively, whereas the specificity was 43% and 52%, respectively. The negative predictive value of the Acrobeads test was 100%, whereas that of the SPA was 73%. These results indicate that there was no significant difference between these two tests in terms of predicting IVF outcome. Conclusion: We suggested that the Acrobeads test be used to evaluate the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa because we should avoid using the SPA to prevent cruelty to animals.