SCSA Test

A Step In The Right Direction

A vital step in finding a solution for infertility involves finding the problem! The SCSA® (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) test quickly and accurately identifies men who are less likely to achieve a term pregnancy, either naturally or with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART, IUI, IVF/ICSI). It does this by determining the percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA and the degree of DNA damage. The results from the SCSA test can help couples and their doctors determine what the next steps should be.

DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) scores indicate the likelihood of sperm contributing to infertility problems. For natural and IUI conception the following scores, recently revised, have been used by SCSA Diagnostics to indicate fertility potential:

< 15% DFI = Excellent to Good Pregnancy Outcomes (PO) (without female infertility factors)
> 15% to < 25% DFI = Good to Fair PO
> 25% to < 40% DFI = Fair to Poor PO
> 40% DFI = Very Poor PO

The two primary factors measured by the SCSA test are the %DFI and % HDS.
The term "sperm DNA fragmentation" entered into Google brings up nearly 40,000 references. Sperm DNA fragmentation is clearly recognized as an important aspect of infertility, valuable for helping to resolve a couple's infertility.