How the SCSA® Test works?
How the SCSA® Test works?
The SCSA® Test is the most robust test among the sperm DNA fragmentation tests. This is the only sperm DNA fragmentation test which reports on both DNA fragmentation levels and chromatin (DNA + Protein) structure.
The SCSA® Test is carried out using a laser based instrument called a Flow Cytometer. The sample is analysed in duplicate and the SCSA® test report is generated using a proprietary software to ensure standardised, accurate and genuine clinical test reports are generated.
Briefly, the SCSA® test protocol involves treatment of the semen sample with an acid solution that opens up the DNA strand at the breaks or fragmented regions. The dye Acridine Orange then binds to the double stranded DNA (dsDNA) and single stranded DNA (ssDNA) and fluoresces green or red respectively. The flow cytometer measures the ratio of red-green fluorescence in 5000-10,000 individual sperm cells and reports on DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) and chromatin structure (%HDS).
The SCSA® test report is unique as it is the only sperm DNA fragmentation test which distinguishes the levels of fragmented DNA into moderate fragmentation and high fragmentation. Sperms which have moderate levels of fragmentation tend to have normal nuclear morphology and are capable of fertilising the egg, but the damage present will be beyond the repair capacity of the eggs and hence may result in a negative pregnancy outcome.
Since only licenced labs are authorised to conduct the genuine SCSA® test for Sperm DNA Fragmentation, the quality and accuracy of the SCSA® test report is maintained around the world. Andrology Center, is the first and only licenced centre in India to provide the genuine SCSA® test.
Semen samples can be collected through masturbation, the use of a non-spermicidal condom, or other methods suggested by a healthcare professional. The sample is kept at room temperature, and laboratory analysis typically begins about an hour after collection. Semen analysis employs microscopy to examine 100-500 sperm cells before generating the report.
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