MAR test
The MAR (mixed antiglobulin reaction) test is designed to detect antisperm antibodies in semen. The presence of antibodies causes sperm to clump. This results in their reduced viability and motility and impairs their ability to pass through the cervical mucus, which may hinder or even prevent the fertilisation process.
The MAR (mixed antiglobulin reaction) test is designed to detect antisperm antibodies in semen. The presence of antibodies causes sperm to clump. This results in their reduced viability and motility and impairs their ability to pass through the cervical mucus, which may hinder or even prevent the fertilisation process.
What causes the formation of anti-sperm antibodies?
What causes the formation of anti-sperm antibodies?
Antisperm antibodies are most commonly found in the IgA, IgG and IgM classes. In men, the antibodies may be present in seminal vesicles and tubules, testicular tissue and prostatic secretions.
The reasons for the presence of anti-sperm antibodies are not fully known. However, it has been proposed that any trauma to the testicles, inflammation and infection of the male genitalia may contribute to their onset. What is affected by the presence of anti-sperm antibodies?
The presence of anti-sperm antibodies in semen may cause disorders:
- in spermatogenesis;
- in sperm transport in the reproductive tract;
- in the course of the acrosome reaction;
- in the interaction between egg cell and sperm;
- during early embryonic development.
About testing
Practised approaches
Basic semen profile
It consists of manual semen analysis. This test can be divided into two stages: macroscopic evaluation of the ejaculate and microscopic evaluation of semen preparations. Macroscopic evaluation includes analysis of: appearance, volume, viscosity, pH and liquefaction time of the ejaculate. The microscopic evaluation includes an assessment of the concentration, motility and morphology (i.e. structure) of the spermatozoa. The presence of round cells (including leukocytes) is also assayed semen examination.
Extended semen profile
This profile consist of computer-assisted sperm analysis (SCA). Apart from the macroscopic analysis of the ejaculate, a detailed assessment of sperm motility is possible by using appropriate computer software; analysis measures, for example, sperm motility trajectory and evaluates parameters such as: VCL – curvilinear velocity of the spermatozoon per unit time (µm/s), VSL – straight-line velocity of the spermatozoon (µm/s), VAP – average path velocity of the spermatozoon per unit time, ALH – amplitude of lateral head displacement, and accurate analysis of sperm morphology – based on precise measurements of head and midpiece length, width, their shape, the angle of their attachment and the acrosome size. The concentration of round cells (including leukocytes) is also measured.
Method
Basic semen profile
The MAR test is performed by adding latex beads coated with IgG or IgA antibodies, along with anti-IgG or anti-IgA antibodies, to a semen sample, followed by microscopic analysis of at least 100 motile spermatozoa. If IgG or IgA antibodies are present on the spermatozoa, sperm fuse with globules coated with the appropriate antibody.
Good to know
Preparation
for testing
We recommend semen testing:
- To diagnose male infertility;
- To diagnose failed natural attempts and assisted reproduction procedures;
- In case of recurrent miscarriages;
- Prior to assisted reproduction procedures in order to select an appropriate sperm selection method and treatment method.
The following factors should be considered before proceeding with semen testing:
- Sexual abstinence
One of the key factors that affect the reliability of semen analysis is sexual abstinence, which should be from two to seven days. Both shorter and longer periods of sexual abstinence can affect parameters such as concentration, motility and sperm morphology. In the case of a repeated examination, the patient should maintain the same period of sexual abstinence.
- Stimulants and physical activity
Before semen testing, you should maintain a minimum of two days of alcohol abstinence and also limit excessive physical exertion for at least a day before the test.
No additional studies are required other than observing the standard semen preparation plan.
The MAR test can only be performed if the semen contains a sufficient number of motile spermatozoa, with at least 10 million showing progressive movement. Testing is not possible in cases of extreme oligo- and asthenzoospermia and necro- and azoospermia.
Semen testing should not be carried out during antibiotic therapy, in which case you should wait a minimum of 14 days after the end of the therapy. The result is also negatively affected by an elevated body temperature – in this case, it is recommended to perform the test 2.5 to 3 months after its onset.
Course of testing
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WWe have two semen donation rooms in our clinic. These are located in a secluded part of the corridor, away from where other patients are waiting for their appointments. The room is equipped with a washbasin, a comfortable armchair and a TV with videos to help you donate sperm. The room is lockable from the inside and there is a tag on the door to advise whether the room is free or occupied. The room is communicated with the laboratory by an administration window that is locked from the inside; you leave your material for testing in this window.
In exceptional cases, the material can be delivered to the clinic from home in a container labelled with the patient’s full name and hour of material donation. You must then bring the sample in person to the laboratory no later than 30 minutes after ejaculation. During transport to the laboratory, the semen should not be subjected to shocks or temperature fluctuations (optimum transport temperature is 20-37°C). The transport temperature is most easily controlled by transporting the container in contact with the body, e.g. in a shirt or jacket pocket.
Yes, you can. Please remember that the material must not originate from a condom or intermittent intercourse.
Test price list
| MAR test (IgG or IgA) |
PLN 110 |
| Semen testing package I – basic (semen testing (semen profile), DNA fragmentation) |
PLN 400 |
Opinions
How patients see us
I would like to wholeheartedly thank the ARTVIMED staff for making our dream of becoming parents come true. Our beloved baby son was born on 15 May this year.
Thanks to the physicians at the clinic, the whole IVF procedure was successful on the first try 🙂 We received the best care at each step. I had the opportunity to meet several doctors at the clinic during my appointments, and each one proved to be an outstanding professional.
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I highly recommend this doctor. Competent, committed, empathetic. Specific treatment plan. You know you are in good hands.
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Opinion by B. on Dr. Joanna Figuła (Znany Lekarz) |
Thanks to the Doctor, we welcomed our son into the world 2 weeks ago.
We found this doctor after several years of struggling to conceive a child and being treated by specialists who knew nothing about infertility. The doctor immediately outlined a definite plan of action, ordered the right diagnostic tests, and referred us to the hospital for testing. As a result, the treatment progressed in the right direction.[…]
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Opinion on Dr Ewa Posadzka Agnieszka L. (Znany Lekarz) |
The best doctor we could have come across; she managed our pregnancy with great commitment.
Patient and taking every moment to help or clear up doubts if necessary. Thanks to the Doctor, we are parents of a 5-month-old miracle baby. Highly recommended
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Opinion on Dr Agnieszka Wolak Anna (Znany Lekarz) |
Dr Baran is by far the gentlest, most thorough gynaecologist interested in the patient’s concerns that I have ever encountered.
Immense knowledge of endometriosis, the skills to provide complete ultrasound testing for it and the know how to guide a patient dealing with this unpleasant disease. […]
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Opinion on Dr. Rafał Baran (Znany Lekarz) |
I highly recommend pregnancy management. My past experience with other doctors was that there was little to be gained from the appointments, the doctors were reluctant to tell me what they saw, unwilling to answer questions, and Ms Joanna answered every single one, demonstrating an enormous amount of patience. Highly recommended.
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Opinion on Dr. Joanna Figuła Katarzyna (Znany Lekarz) |
Although our little sunshine is already 6 years old, so far, when I look at her, I still have Dr Chrostowski and the Artvimed clinic in my mind… Dr Chrostowski has got that something about him that, when you are in his office, you know that you couldn’t have found a better place. I will always highly recommend ARTVIMED to everyone.
Ps. I still am in awe of how the embryologists work…how they ‘managed’ to create such a miracle… 😉 Thank you for being there
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Very matter-of-fact doctor; she informs you thoroughly about everything and explains everything comprehensively. She informed me of the treatment plan and was very kind, gentle and understanding.
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Opinion on Dr Katarzyna Doroszewska (Znany Lekarz) |
We would like to thank the entire ARTVIMED Team – our little miracle was born 2 weeks ago. Many thanks are due, in particular, to Dr Posadzka, through whom the right diagnostic work began, and to Dr Chrostowski, who guided further treatment, punctures, and transfer. I also had the pleasure of dealing with most of the doctors during the course of my diagnosis and each one showed a great deal of support and professionalism. We would also like to thank the Embryology Team – without you, our son would not be here. Thank you for the beautiful work of the whole clinic!
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