Toward standardization of the cut-off value for the direct immunobead test using the postcoital test in immunologically infertile males.

Abstract

There is a need to improve our understanding of the cut-off value of the direct immunobead test (D-IBT). The subjects were 26 D-IBT-positive and 140 D-IBT-negative males. The results of post coital tests (PCTs) for each subject were examined. A significant difference was observed in abnormal PCTs between values <20 % and those ≥20 % (P = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in abnormal PCTs between values <50 % and those ≥50 % (P = 0.084). A cut-off value of 20 % was correlated with the possibility of conception on treatment with IUI. The D-IBT is a screening test, and the value of 20 % initially suggested by Bronson et al. seems to be more appropriate than that of 50 % in the criteria defined by the World Health Organization.