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Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA)
The Sperm
Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) is a new
diagnostic tool that can detect sperm samples that have a high degree
of
DNA fragmentation (small breaks in the sperm chromosomes). Highly
fragmented
sperm (>30%) has been associated with a nearly “four-fold reduction
in
term pregnancies and a doubling of miscarriages”. A male may have
a
good sperm count, good sperm motility, and normal sperm shape, but
still
exhibit a high degree of fragmentation which may be related to the
couple’s
fertility problems. The SCSA may be recommended for certain
patients,
depending on their reproductive history. This assay is not a
measure
of the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
The SCSA is capable of distinguishing normal sperm from those with
fragmentation
in their DNA. Using special stains and highly technical
instrumentation
(flow cytometer), a laser beam is used to quantitate the percentage of
sperm
with intact vs. fragmented chromatin (DNA).
Thousands
of sperm are analyzed, producing plots like the example below comparing
a
sperm sample from a fertile individual with a patient/couple
experiencing
16 miscarriages. The fertile sample has no fragmentation while
the
patient’s sample exhibited more than a third of the sperm with DNA
fragmentation.
Semen
samples for the SCSA are collected in our clinic and sent to SCSA
Diagnostics,
Inc. We charge $200 for the test plus $50 for shipping and
handling.
Results are returned to us within 7-10 days. Your physician will
consult
with you when we receive the report. For more information about
the
SCSA please visit:
www.scsadiagnostics.com .
(quotes and graphics used with permission, SCSA Diagnostics,
Brookings, SD.)
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