The Bethesda Reproductive
Studies Lab
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The Bethesda Center for Reproductive Health and Fertility
10506 Montgomery Road Suite 303 Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (513) 865-1680 1-800-634-1222
 The
Reproductive Studies Lab at Bethesda has been established to assist the
physician in diagnosing and treating infertilty, especially in relation
to male factors. A catalyst for technological advancements, our lab is
certified by the Ohio Department of Health and the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.
The following is a brief description of several of the procedures available
through the Reproductive Studies Laboratory:
Semen Analysis
The semen analysis is one of the primary diagnostic tools the physician
has for determining both urological and infertility problems. From these
results additional testing needs can be identified.
Included in the semen analysis report are semen volume and viscosity,
liquifaction time, sperm count, viability, motility and grade, white cell
count, pH, and morphological assessment with classification of abnormal
forms present.
Sperm Washing
Separation of spermatozoa from seminal plasma is important in intra-uterine
insemination (IUI) and also may be of benefit in some cases of seminal
plasma toxicity to the sperm cells. A two-step washing procedure provides
a means of separating the sperm from the seminal plasma while maintaining
high sperm recovery. For those infertility patients with increased number
of abnormal forms, white blood cells or ejaculate debris, the two-step
wash can result in a highly motile fraction with decreased debris, white
cells and non-viable forms.
Included in the sperm washing report are ejaculate volume, sperm count,
motility and grade, post-wash (post-swim-up if applicable) sperm count,
motility and grade, and final resuspension volume.
Sperm Antibody Testing (Immunobead Binding Test)
It is well established that both men and women can develop antibodies
against sperm which may cause increased infertility in either or both
partners. Antisperm antibodies may be found in serum or genital secretions
or bound to the sperm cell itself.
The Immunobead Binding Test (IBT) is a diagnostic tool to assess the presence
of antisperm antibodies in semen, serum of either partner, or cervical
mucus. The IBT determines both location of the antibodies on the sperm
cell (direct assay) and identifies the isotypes present (IgG or IgA; IgM
screening also available). If antibodies are detected, immobilization
and agglutination assays can be performed to determine the antibody titre
if desired.
Sperm Cryopreservation and Storage
Sperm cryopreservation and storage may be beneficial to cancer patients
prior to undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy since these treatments
may affect normal testicular functioning. Patients considering a vasectomy
also may want to bank sperm prior to surgery. We now also are able to
freeze extremely low numbers of sperm in the empty zona (egg shell) of
hamsters. This service includes sperm count, post-dilution count, motility
and grade, and number of doses/ejaculate.
Other Services
Sperm Count - ejaculate volume, viscosity, pH, liquifaction time, sperm
count, motility and grade of progression.
Fructose - non-quantitative assay for presence of fructose.
Test Freeze - to assess sperm survival following cryopreservation. Includes
sperm count (see above), motility and grade post-dilution and post-thaw.
Recommended for all patients planning on frozen storage of sperm or for
screening of sperm donors to be included in a sperm banking program.
PGD - Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
The procedure involves the microsurgical removal of one or two cell from each
embryo, at the six to eight cell stage through a procedure call embryo biopsy.
The chromosomes are counted and stained by a technique called Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH)
analysis to identify a disorder. The procedure is usually done three days after egg
retrieval and the results would be available within 24 hours.
The Reproductive Studies Laboratory includes a facility for the collection
of semen in a comfortable environment. We encourage the collection of
specimens at the laboratory to ensure accurate testing and results. For
those patients preferring to obtain a specimen at home, a sterile specimen
container may be picked up in advance. The laboratory can perform blood
collection for tests which require a serum sample.
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