Hyaluronan binding assay (HBA) vs. sperm penetration assay (SPA): Can HBA replace the SPA test in male partner screening before in vitro fertilization?

Objective: To determine if a less expensive, easier, and faster to perform HBA test is clinically equal to the more complicated, technically challenging and expensive SPA test as a reliable indicator of sperm fertilizing capacity.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Andrology laboratory within In Vitro Fertilization Program.

Patient(s): Semen samples from 26 infertility couples were analyzed. Both, normal and male factor patients were included.

Intervention(s): Male partner screening with the HBA and the SPA tests.

Main outcome measure(s): Relationship between HBA and SPA test results.

Result(s): The data obtained in this study showed no statistically significant relationship between the HBA and SPA results. The mean HBA scores 76.3%, 61.3% and 76.8% were statistically not significantly different as compared to patients with negative (<5), grey zone (5-8) and for positive (>8) sperm capacitation index values.

Conclusion(s): The HBA is not predictive of the results of the SPA. Therefore, HBA test does not reduce the need for and cannot replace the SPA test in male partner screening prior to infertility treatment.