Table 5. Summary of response from 28 experts recommending ASA testing in male infertility patients.
| Variable | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Indications for ASA testinga | ||
| Sperm agglutination | 24 (85.7) | |
| Asthenozoospermia | 15 (53.6) | |
| Failed IUI | 13 (46.4) | |
| Failed IVF | 13 (46.4) | |
| Other | 4 (14.3) | |
| Antisperm antibody tested | ||
| IgA | 3 (10.7) | |
| IgG | 4 (14.3) | |
| Both | 21 (75.0) | |
| Technique for testing | ||
| MAR test (indirect) | 18 (64.3) | |
| Immunobead test (direct) | 8 (28.6) | |
| Other | 2 (7.1) | |
| Relevance of ASA testing | ||
| Effective | 20 (71.4) | |
| Neutral | 7 (25.0) | |
| Very effective | 1 (3.6) | |
| Biological fluid tested for ASAa | ||
| Semen | 22 (78.6) | |
| Seminal plasma | 8 (28.6) | |
| Serum | 4 (14.3) | |
| Cut-off value for abnormal ASA testing (%) | ||
| >20 | 10 (35.7) | |
| >40 | 10 (35.7) | |
| >50 | 8 (28.6) | |
| Frequency of the ASA test ordered | ||
| Monthly | 12 (42.9) | |
| Yearly | 9 (32.1) | |
| Weekly | 7 (25.0) | |
| Number of ASA testing ordered monthly | ||
| 1–5 | 24 (85.7) | |
| 6–9 | 0 (0.0) | |
| 10–15 | 2 (7.1) | |
| >15 | 2 (7.1) | |
| Initial recommendation in case of positive ASA test | ||
| Steroids | 14 (50.0) | |
| ART | 8 (28.6) | |
| Sperm washing for IUI | 2 (7.1) | |
| Other | 4 (14.3) | |
Values are presented as number (%).
ASA: antisperm antibodies, IUI: intrauterine insemination, IVF: in vitro fertilization, IgA: immunoglobulin A, IgG: immunoglobulin G, MAR: mixed antiglobulin reaction, ART: assisted reproductive technology.
aMultiple options can be selected.