#108 : Methods of Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) Testing and Interpretation: Results from the Global Andrology Forum Survey

Abstract

Background and Aims: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is caused by apoptosis, oxidative stress or incomplete chromatin maturation and can result in male infertility and poor reproductive outcomes. Despite growing trends, there are no specific recommendations on specific diagnostic tests used, assay cut-offs or abstinence periods prior to SDF testing. Therefore, we conducted a global survey to evaluate the approaches used to diagnose SDF, towards a consensus in the field of SDF research and clinical management. Method: The survey collected cross-sectional global data from 55 countries following the CHERRIES protocol. 436 respondents included clinicians, researchers and reproductive biologists from academic, public and private health sectors, all of whom utilize SDF testing in their routine patient care and practice (Fig. 1). Results: Survey results showed that TUNEL (28.6%), SCSA (24.1%), SCD (19.1%) and Comet (5.3%) were most frequently used to diagnose SD (Fig. 2A). Assays were chosen primarily due to their availability (70.0%), cost (44.05%) and accuracy (35.48%). Published evidence on assays (25.71%), training of staff (25.48%), cost to patients (21.67%), assay time (18.81%), ease of interpretation (18.33%) and performance (17.38%) were taken lesser into consideration when selecting SDF diagnostic tests (Fig. 2B). Assay cut-offs of “30% or higher” (33.7%) were most frequently used to diagnose SDF (Fig. 2C). Finally, an abstinence period of 3-5 days was mostly recommended (53.6%; Fig. 2D). The results of this survey provide valuable data on SDF assays used in clinical practice as well as factors affecting assay choices such as availability of resources, personnel and complexity in assay processing. As decreased abstinence period is associated with lower SDF, testing is recommended with an abstinence period of less than five days. We observed that there was a lack of standard cut-off values, and every laboratory should establish its own reference values based on predictive values for fertility outcomes. Conclusion: We present new data associated with SDF testing in real-world practice, on a global scale. The trends and conclusions derived from the study are recommended for inclusion into the 6[Formula: see text] Edition WHO Manual, towards optimized patient care.