Sperm Penetration Tests

Hamster Zona-Free Ovum Test

Test Overview

Sperm penetration tests check to see whether a man's sperm can move through cervical mucus and the fallopian tubes to join with (fertilize) an egg. This test is usually done when a couple is having trouble becoming pregnant (infertility).

There are different sperm penetration tests.

• The sperm mucus penetration test checks whether a man's sperm can move through the cervical mucus. This test is not done very often because there are other fertility tests that give more information about the fertility problem.
• The sperm penetration assay (also called the hamster zona-free ovum test or hamster test) checks whether a man's sperm can join with an egg. Sperm are mixed with hamster eggs in a laboratory. The number of sperm that penetrate the egg (sperm capacitation index) is measured. This test is done most often at special fertility centers who do in vitro fertilization.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated April 20, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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