Autoantibody Profile to Sperm Autoantibodies (Autoimmune Sperm Antibody Screening)
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may be attacking sperm, which could affect fertility. It helps determine if an autoimmune response might be contributing to infertility.
["This test helps identify potential autoimmune causes of unexplained infertility by detecting sperm-reactive antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51479-4
- Short code
- Sperm # Ur Auto
- Synonyms
- Sperm # Ur Auto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- automated-count
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you or your partner have unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or if you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that could theoretically affect fertility. It’s also sometimes used in cases where other fertility tests don’t explain why conception isn’t happening.
What the Test Involves
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then tested for the presence of antibodies that target sperm proteins. This process helps determine if your immune system is producing antibodies that could interfere with fertilization.
What to Expect Before the Test
There are no special preparations needed for this test. You may want to drink plenty of water the day of your appointment to help your provider easily find your vein. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before the draw if possible.
What to Expect After the Test
After the blood is drawn, you’ll typically feel a small bruise or soreness at the site, which should go away within a few days. You can return to your normal activities immediately. Results may take several days to a week to process.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
If antibodies to sperm are found, it suggests an autoimmune response that could potentially block sperm from reaching or fertilizing an egg. This condition is rare but can be managed with further evaluation, including sperm washing techniques or medical treatments to suppress the immune response. While not all cases of infertility are due to autoimmune factors, this test provides important information for a more targeted approach to fertility treatment.
Short name
Sperm Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Test Mean?
Will This Test Change My Fertility Treatment Plan?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy