Sperm DNA fragmentation test
Sperm DNA fragmentation appears to be one of the main causes of reduced fertility in men. Damage to sperm DNA may cause anomalies in the early stages of embryonic development, with subsequent miscarriage.
Sperm DNA fragmentation appears to be one of the main causes of reduced fertility in men. Damage to sperm DNA may cause anomalies in the early stages of embryonic development, with subsequent miscarriage.
What is sperm DNA fragmentation test?
What is sperm DNA fragmentation test?
In this test, certified assays verify the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation.
What causes sperm DNA damage?
– smoking
– infections
– cancer and tumors
– xposure to toxins/chemical agents/radiation
– high temperature around the testicles
– the presence of varicocele
– sedentary lifestyle
– oxidative stress
How does increased sperm DNA fragmentation affect treatment efficacy?
Sperm with a high degree of DNA fragmentation/damage are capable of fertilising oocytes, but further embryonic development may stop even before implantation. If implantation does occur, the likelihood of an early miscarriage is very high.
In many cases, testing the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation may help explain a previously undiagnosed cause of infertility, so- referred to as idiopathic infertility.
If the ovum is fertilised with a spermatozoon with sperm chromatin fragmentation, it may have the following consequences:
– abnormal early embryonic development
– absent implantation
– recurrent miscarriages.
About testing
Practised approaches
SCD test

The SCD test (sperm chromatin dispersion test) is one of the methods testing the degree of sperm DNA fragmentation. It is done with certified HALOtech tests, by denaturing and staining the sperm chromatin. During the test, intact DNA strands expand to form halos around the sperm heads, creating what is known as the halo effect. For spermatozoa with damaged chromatin, the halo effect is weak or absent.
Good to know
Preparation
for testing

We recommend the DNA fragmentation test:
- to broaden the diagnosis of male infertility
- to detect sperm abnormalities (reduced sperm morphology)
- to men over 40
- to diagnose consecutive failed natural attempts and assisted reproduction procedures
- in case of recurrent miscarriages
- in case of infertility of unknown cause (idiopathic infertility)
- prior to assisted reproduction procedures, testing is performed to determine the appropriate method of sperm selection and treatment (increased sperm DNA fragmentation supports proceeding with an ICSI/IVF program rather than intrauterine insemination, which may be largely ineffective in such cases)
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.
Other than the standard semen testing preparation plan, the DNA fragmentation test does not require any additional studies.
Sperm DNA fragmentation testing is only possible for sperm concentrations of >1 million/ml. The test may not be performed in cases of extreme oligozoospermia 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

We 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
Semen testing package I – basic (semen testing (semen profile), DNA fragmentation) |
PLN 400 |
Semen testing package II – basic, incl. computerised examination (extended computerised semen examination, DNA fragmentation) |
PLN 460 |
Semen testing package III – extended (extended computerised semen examination, DNA fragmentation, HBA test) |
PLN 760 |
Semen testing package IV – full (extended computerised semen examination, DNA fragmentation, MAR IgG and IgA test, Mioxsys test – ROS test, HBA test) |
PLN 1 260 |