[Immunologic sperm detection]

Proof of prostatic acid phosphatase with the enzyme-immuno-assay (EIA) is specific and as sensitive as the common phosphatase reaction. The EIA for prostatic-specific-antigen (PSA) is prostate specific as well, but less sensitive than the phosphatase assay. In a review of 30 own cases no indications for nonspecifity of the immuno assay were obtained. A positive EIA-test in absence of spermatozoa can be explained by either azoospermia or a prolonged persistence of prostatic acid phosphatase in comparison with spermatozoa.