Biochemical and Imaging Diagnostics in Endocrinology: Predictors of Fertility

One of the limiting factors of fertility testing is the relative inefficiency of human reproduction. A careful history and physical examination must be performed on each patient to inform the particular diagnostic tests that are chosen and to create a meaningful treatment plan. Testing parameters, such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, can help to interpret test results, although there is no perfect screening test for the various causes of infertility. This article describes the 4 major categories of testing for infertility: ovarian reserve, ovulatory status, gamete transport, and male factor.