Extend Test – Results Explained

Understanding your Extend Sperm DNA Fragmentation Results

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is recognised as an important marker of sperm health and high levels of SDF can significantly impact upon male fertility. Sperm DNA fragmentation can be the result of either single-strand DNA breaks (ssDB) or double-strand DNA breaks (dsDB), with dsDB in particular being an important factor in recurrent early pregnancy loss and ICSI failure^1,2.

Our Extend test is the only test to exclusively identify dsDB fragmentation, assisting you and your clinician in making fully informed decisions regarding your fertility options.

It is important to understand:

Low levels of sperm double stranded DNA fragmentation means the quality of sperm is good
Medium levels of sperm double stranded DNA fragmentation means the quality of sperm is moderate
High levels of sperm double stranded DNA fragmentation means the quality of sperm is poor

Extend & ExtendFocus Test Results

The Extend test result shows 3 different indicators of DNA fragmentation compared against a fertile reference range:

1. Average Sperm Double Stranded DNA Fragmentation (SDF) score

An Average Double Stranded SDF score between 0% to 6% is within the fertile range, whereas a score greater than 6% is outside this range and has an increased risk of infertility.

2. Your % DNA fragmentation category

The DNA Fragmentation Distribution histogram provides a more comprehensive view of the distribution of damage across your sample and the proportion of it that falls into the low, medium and high damage categories.

3. Your DNA Fragmentation Category versus a typical fertile male

The split of your sample between each DNA fragmentation category can be directly compared to that of a typical fertile male, providing further insight into how the DNA fragmentation is distributed within your sample.

Can you improve an abnormal result?

Double-strand DNA break (dsDB) damage is thought to occur largely as a result of errors during the process of sperm creation. However, there is some evidence to suggest lifestyle factors such as caffeine intake are associated with higher levels of dsDB damage in sperm³. Your fertility expert will also be able to discuss available solutions with you, such as sperm selection techniques, genetic testing of embryos, or where appropriate donor sperm.

examen learn drinking causes Sperm DNA damage

Take positive action

Do speak with a male fertility expert who can guide you on potential options to address dsDB damage
Do consider reducing caffeine intake as there is evidence to suggest that caffeine intake negatively impacts upon sperm dsDB quality ⁴