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Male Fertility Test Instructions

Why do I need this test?

The male must produce a sufficient number of normal, actively moving sperm in order to achieve conception and according to he World Health Organisation a man needs 20 million sperm per mL to be considered fertile. The Babystart™ Home Test is a unique home test that will identify whether a mans sperm concentration is greater or less than 20 million per mL. A positive result is going to be good news although its not proof of fertility. A negative result is not all bad news because it saves you months of trying to have a baby - in this case we suggest you get along to the doctor for professional help and advice.

This test can help to identify the potential of male fertility in the privacy of your home.

How Does it Work?

The Babystart™ Home Diagnostic Screening Test Kit is a rapid test of sperm concentration in semen. It will measure sperm either as being above or below the recognised cut-off level of 20 million sperm cells per milliLitre (ml) recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Two test results of less than 20 million per ml are an indicator of male infertility.

The Test kit works by staining the sperm cells in the semen sample to produce a blue colour.

How long should ejaculation be avoided before performing the test?

The man MUST abstain from ejaculation for at least 3 days but no longer than 7 days before doing each test.

Instructions and use

What does this test involve?

  1. First collect a semen sample. The semen sample may be collected directly into the plastic cup provided by masturbation or by using the condom with normal intercourse and then emptying the condom into the plastic cup provided. It is important that you use the provided condom as normal condoms will kill sperm on contact. The plastic cup included contain small flakes, do not remove these and be careful not to spill them. These flakes will help liquefy the sample.

Semen sample:

Freshly ejaculated semen is gel-like in consistency but over time (usually 1 hour or longer) the sample thins to a more liquid consistency. Only once the semen is thinned should the semen sample be used for testing. The plastic cup contained within the test will help make the semen liquefy quicker. Wait at least 15 minutes but not longer than 12 hours before testing the sample.

  1. Once the semen sample in the sample cup has liquefied, place on the provided lid and swirl the contents around the cup gently, at least 10 times. Just before testing, swirl the cup contents again several times.
  2. Open the re-sealable pouch by tearing or cutting at the top. Remove the contents and place the test cassette on a flat surface with the sample wells facing upwards.
  3. Swirl the semen sample in the plastic cup before removing the lid. Place the angled tip of the provided plastic dropper into the semen sample and squeeze the dropper at its midpoint. Release the pressure slowly and as you do this semen will be drawn into the dropper.
  4. Remove the dropper from the semen sample and gently squeezing the dropper add ONE drop of semen to the Test Well B of the testing cassette. Let the drop soak in for at least one minute.
  5. Once the semen has soaked in, this usually only takes seconds, add TWO drops of BLUE solution (in the provided bottle) to the same Test Well B. Let the drops soak in for at least one minute. Male_Fertility_Test
  6. When the blue liquid has soaked in, add TWO drops of the CLEAR solution (in the provided bottle) to the TEST Well B. Let the drops soak in for at least one minute. READ the test results within 5 minutes of this step.

Reading the TEST Results:

Compare the colour intensity of Test Well B with the colour of Well A (Reference Well).

POSITIVE TEST: If the blue colour in Test Well B is as dark or darker than the colour in Reference Well A, this is a positive result. This means the sperm count is equal to or greater than 20 million per ml.

NEGATIVE TEST: If the blue colour in Test Well B is lighter than the colour in the Reference Well A, this is a negative result, this means the sperm count is less than 20 million per ml.

Second Test:

Repeat the same test, using the same cassette, the test should be carried out at least 3 days later but not more than 7 days after the first test. Follow all the instructions again but use Test Well D and compare to Reference Well C. If both tests were positive then your sperm count is equal to or greater than 20 million per mL. However, if either or both of the tests were negative then we recommend you consult your doctor with a view to having a full semen analysis performed.

How accurate is this test?

Overall accuracy of the test results is 78%. This means that 78% of the time, home users will be correct in either a positive or a negative reading. Performing 2 tests and obtaining the same result each time (positive or negative) will provide greater assurance of accurate results. The firm conclusion is that the Babystart™ Home Diagnostic Screening Test Kit technology gives highly accurate and reliable results when used by home users.