A peer-reviewed proprietary epigenetic sperm test.

SpermQT™ is a novel test measuring the functionality of sperm.

What is the difference?

SpermQT provides additional information beyond the standard semen analysis and DNA Fragmentation.

Standard Semen Analysis

  • Microscopic analysis of count, concentration and motility
  • Assesses presence and movement of sperm
DNA Fragmentation
  • Identifies chromosomal breaks in the sperm
  • Recommended later in the journey in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss

SpermQT

  • Analyzes the sperm’s genes to measure its ability to find, bind, penetrate, and fertilize an egg
  • Recommended early in the journey with the initial workup

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of changes caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Epigenetics is the control of gene expression that is independent of the DNA sequence itself.

Every cell in our body has the same DNA. Epigenetic modifications within each cell type are what turn the proper genes on and off to make a liver cell a liver cell, a sperm cell a sperm cell, and so on. This happens via a mechanism called DNA methylation.

DNA methylation involves the binding of a CH3 molecule to the DNA at CG basepair sites. DNA methylation of specific CG sites can regulate gene expression.

Epigenetics and SpermQT

SpermQT analyzes the dysregulation in the DNA methylation patterns of 1,200+ genes that are essential for sperm function.

The higher the number of dysregulated genes, the lower the quality of the sperm.

Based on this measure, SpermQT categorizes the sperm sample as Excellent, Normal, or Abnormal quality

Key Finding 1: SpermQT is predictive of IUI outcomes

A blinded analysis of the SpermQT result categories (Excellent, Normal, Abnormal) showed that the number of dysregulated genes had a negative correlation with pregnancy and live birth outcomes when undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Specifically, when looking at 554 couples undergoing IUI procedures, there was a statistically significant lower prenancy rate (p=0.0005***) and live birth rate (p=0.0009***) between SpermQT results.

Key Finding 2: SpermQT identifies subfertile men not detected by the standard semen analysis

4 out of 5 men with an Abnormal SpermQT result (the highest number of dysregulated genes) had a normal semen analysis (concentration and motility ≥15M/mL and 20% respectively).

Key Finding 3: IVF-ICSI appears to overcome Abnormal sperm quality

For couples undergoing IVF with ICSI (N=244), there was no significant difference in pregnancy and live birth rates.

Key Finding 4: SpermQT is complementary to the standard semen analysis

The SpermQT result in combination with total motile count provides a more predictive assessment of IUI live birth rates than either test alone.

SpermQT is validated in over 2,000 semen samples and is run in a CLIA certified laboratory.

Our Experts

Kristin Brogaard, PhD

Alex Pastuszak, MD, PhD

References
  1. Epigenetic determinants of reproductive potential augment the predictive ability of the semen analysis. F&S Science, ISSN: 2666-335X, Vol: 4, Issue: 4, Page: 279-285; 2023
  2. Tissue-specific DNA methylation variability and its potential clinical value. Frontiers in Genetics, Vol: 14; 2023 
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