7-103 Helios ambulance call +38 067 000 01 50

MAR Test in Dnipro

One of the causes of male infertility can be the presence of antisperm antibodies of immunoglobulin classes A and G. These antibodies prevent fertilization of the egg cell and embryo conception. To detect the presence of these antibodies and determine the percentage of sperm that cannot participate in the fertilization process, the MAR test is prescribed. Today, let's talk about the MAR test: what it is, why it is prescribed, and how it helps in achieving a desired pregnancy.

When to Do the MAR Test

The MAR test for men (mixed agglutination reaction) is a test that detects male infertility even with normal spermogram results. It shows the number of sperm cells covered by antisperm antibodies. These antibodies suppress the activity of sperm cells, leading to infertility:

If the result is below 10% – the man has high fertility.
From 10% to 50% – immunological infertility is possible, and treatment may be prescribed.
More than 50% – indicates that natural conception is impossible.

Antibodies can affect sperm cells in two ways:

Attack the head and tail, preventing the sperm from dissolving the egg membrane, thus preventing fertilization.
Simply slow down the sperm's movement, making it more difficult to reach the egg, but pregnancy is still possible.

Main Causes of Antibody Presence Include:

Sexually transmitted infections
Chronic inflammatory conditions
Scrotal trauma
Surgical operations on reproductive organs
Congenital disruption of the hematotesticular barrier
Varicocele (varicose veins of the testicle)
Genetic predisposition
Certain diseases

A doctor prescribes this test in the following cases:

Suspected male infertility
Signs of male infertility
Failure to identify other causes of infertility
Signs of a disrupted hematotesticular barrier after certain illnesses
History of injuries and surgeries on the reproductive organs
Oncological diseases

There are many reasons a doctor might prescribe a MAR test.

How to Prepare for the Spermogram with the MAR Test

To get accurate results, doctors recommend following these guidelines:

Abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 7 days.
Avoid alcohol for 7 days.
Avoid taking medications 24 hours prior to the test (consult with the doctor).
Avoid sauna and bath visits, exposure to high temperatures, or fever for 7 days.
Do not undergo physiotherapy procedures or radiological studies 72 hours before the test.

Other specific recommendations will be provided by the doctor after discussing the patient's medical history.

The MAR test can be done in our clinic quickly, on the day and time of your choice.

How the MAR Test is Performed

The MAR test can be conducted in two ways: direct and indirect. In the direct method (MAR sperm test), the ejaculate itself is used, and this method is considered more accurate. In the indirect method, blood plasma is used.

To obtain the ejaculate, the patient is given a disposable container and instructions on how to properly collect the biological fluid. If the doctor chooses the indirect method, blood is usually taken from a vein and sent for laboratory analysis.

If you are interested in the MAR test, the cost of the analysis is provided at the end of the article. You can also learn more about the MAR test in the video attached.