The MAR test as immunologic screening of male infertility

The mixed antiglobulin reaction was developed for detection of platelet antibody and then modified to demonstrate antibodies on spermatozoa. We have used the test as a simple method of screening for antibodies in the male, performing the test during the analysis of semen samples. We evaluated 320 samples from partners of sterile couples attending our Sterility centers. The IgG MAR test was not applicable to 82 samples because the sperm concentration and sperm motility was not sufficient. In all uncertain, positive and firmly positive cases of MAR test and in 50 negative cases of IgG MAR test, as control group we performed MAR test for IgA. We correlate our results with the sperm test penetration, SCMC test and identification of antisperm antibodies test and Isojima test for sperm immobilizing antibodies. Our results reconfirm the utility of IgG MAR test as screening test for the presence of antibodies but its positiveness requires the performance of IgA MAR test and, if necessary, of other tests in order to diagnose sterility depending on immunologic factors.