Explanation of methods and assays

IBT : Immunobeat Test. This includes both direct(washed sperm) and indirect (seminal plasma & serum) immunobead tests for detection of antisperm antibodies. Immunobeads are polyacrulamide spheres bound with rabbit antihuman immunoglobulins. Both IgG and IgA antibodies are detected using this test. Some brands availabe are Irvine Scientific and Laboserv GmbH.

MAR : Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction. Fresh semen is mixed with latex particles coated with human IgG or IgA. Monospecific anti-human-IgG antiserum is then added and the formation of agglutinates between particles and sperm indicate the presence of antibodies. Some brands available are Fertility Technologies and Fertipro N.V.

MEA : Mouse Embryo Assay. Used for the detection of cytotoxic products in the IVF laboratory. MEA protocols can involve the culture to blastocyst stage of either 2pn stage or 2 cell mouse embryos.