Hamster zona-free ovum test
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The hamster zona-free ovum test (HZFO test), or hamster test is a method for diagnosing male infertility due to the inability of the sperm to penetrate the ova. This test has limited value for most people experiencing infertility.
In this test, sperm are incubated with several hamster eggs. After seven to twenty hours, the number of sperm penetrations per egg is measured. The hamster eggs have had the zona pellucida, the outer membrane, removed- hence, zona-free.
Having all eggs penetrated by multiple sperm is considered to be a positive sign for fertility. Results suggest that men whose sperm fail the hamster test are a third as fertile than those whose sperm pass.[1]
Donated sperm and intracytoplasmic sperm injection techniques are considered more strongly for those whose sperm fail this test.
The human sperm does not fertilize the hamster eggs, which are unable to grow or develop.[2]
The practice is made licensable in the United Kingdom by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Koulischer L, Debry JM (1989). "[The hamster test. Practical consequences]" (in French). Acta Urol Belg 57 (1): 77–81. PMID 2718849.
- ^ http://www.stillhq.com/pdfdb/000360/data.pdf (PDF)
- ^ "Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, Schedule 2, Section 1(1)(f)". http://www.opsi.gov.uk/Acts/acts1990/ukpga_19900037_en_5#sch2.
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