Common Questions
with Answers about the VasMARQ™ Home Diagnostic Screening Test
Q1
Do two negative tests mean a successful vasectomy?
Q2
Why do I need to ejaculate at least 6 times before the first test?
Q3
How should the semen sample be collected? Is collection directly into
the liquefaction cup or use one of the condoms provided with the kit equally
effective?
Q4
Why wait at least 15 minutes but not longer than 12 hours after adding
the semen to the Liquefaction Cup to start the test?
Q5
There are small flakes at the bottom of the Liquefaction Cup. Should I
still use the cup?
Q6
Does it really matter how much semen or solution is added to the Test
Well B (or Test Well D)?
Q7
I made a mistake using Test Well B. What should I do?
Q8
A blue color appeared after adding the Blue dye solution to the Test Well
(B or D) but before the Clear wash solution was added. Does this mean
that the test is positive?
Q9
How long should it take for the semen or solutions to drain through the
filter?
Q10
How long should I wait between tests?
Q11
I ran two tests eight days apart and got one positive and one negative
result. What should I do?
Q12
Are the solutions safe?
Q13
Does medication effect test results?
Q14
What could cause errors in test results?
Q15
Why would a re-test be done after six months if the initial tests indicate
a successful vasectomy?
Q1
Do two negative tests mean a successful vasectomy?
A1 Not necessarily. The VasMARQ kit is a screening test and you
must see your physician for a microscopic confirmation. (Return
to Top)
Q2
Why do I need to ejaculate at least 6 times before the first test?
A2 By ejaculating 6 times before to testing the first sample, you
can make sure that any left over sperm cells are flushed out. (Return
to Top)
Q3
How should the semen sample be collected? Is collection directly into
the liquefaction cup or use one of the condoms provided with the kit equally
effective?
A3 We recommend either method. If one of the condoms provided with
the kit is used, squeeze all the semen collected into the Liquefaction
Cup. If semen is collected directly into the Liquefaction Cup, care must
be taken to conserve all of the semen sample for the test.(Return
to Top)
Q4
Why wait at least 15 minutes but not longer than 12 hours after adding
the semen to the Liquefaction Cup to start the test?
A4 Semen is very thick (gel-like) and normally takes 30 to 60 minutes
to thin (liquefy). Using the specially treated Liquefaction Cup provided
with the kit, the semen sample should liquefy within 15 minutes. Waiting
up to 12 hours before starting the test is acceptable. Keep the provided
lid on the Liquefaction Cup and swirl the contents before beginning the
test. (Return to Top)
Q5
There are small flakes at the bottom of the Liquefaction Cup. Should I
still use the cup?
A5 Yes. This flaking may occur due to normal shipping and handling.
Do not remove these flakes. When the sample is added to the Liquefaction
Cup, the flakes are absorbed and help to liquefy the sample. (Return
to Top)
Q6
Does it really matter how much semen or solution is added to the Test
Well B (or Test Well D)?
A6 Yes. Add only the number of drops specified in the instructions.(Return
to Top)
Q7
I made a mistake using Test Well B. What should I do?
A7 Restart the test using Test Well D and Reference Well C. After
completing the test and reading the results, discard the cassette. Since
you used both Test Wells for the first sample, you will not be able to
use the same cassette for testing a second sample. Obtain a new test kit
and test a second sample 7- 10 days after the first sample was tested
or consult your physician. Your physician may perform a second sperm count
in the office. (Return to Top)
Q8
A blue color appeared after adding the Blue dye solution to the Test Well
(B or D) but before the Clear wash solution was added. Does this mean
that the test is positive?
A8 Not necessarily. Complete the test using the Clear solution
before comparing the color in the Test Well to the Reference Color. (Return
to Top)
Q9
How long should it take for the semen or solutions to drain through the
filter?
A9 It usually takes just seconds for either the semen or solutions to
drain through the filter. If it takes longer than 5 minutes for any of
the drops to drain, the semen may not have adequately liquified and the
sample is too viscous. Repeat the test using a new semen sample. (Return
to Top)
Q10
How long should I wait between tests?
A10 For best results, you should wait at least 7 days and no more than
10 days between tests. (Return to Top)
Q11
I ran two tests eight days apart and got one positive and one negative
result. What should I do?
A11 You should wait 2-3 weeks and repeat the testing process. (Return
to Top)
Q12
Are the solutions safe?
A12 Yes. However, kit solutions should be handled with care and disposed
of promptly after the kit has been used for the two semen tests. (Return
to Top)
Q13
Does medication effect test results?
A13 Certain medication may effect sperm concentration and viscosity.
This possibility should be discussed with your physician. (Return
to Top)
Q14
What could cause errors in test results?
A14 It is important to follow the test procedure instructions to
ensure an accurate result (see Q7 above if you suspect you made an error
using Test Well B). Also, improper collection or handling of the semen
sample may cause errors. It is especially important that the semen remains
in the Liquefaction Cup for at least 15 minutes prior to testing. Otherwise,
it may not drain through the filter. Some semen samples may not liquefy
properly, even though you have followed all the instructions. This is
a condition of the semen called “high viscosity” and should
be discussed with your physician.
(Return to Top)
Q15
Why would a re-test be done after six months if the initial tests indicate
a successful vasectomy?
A15 Although uncommon, the sperm passage (vas deferens) which was
cut during vasectomy may reconnect (recanalization) during the 6 months
following vasectomy. To prevent unwanted pregnancies due to recanalization,
a re-test after six months is recommended, or at other intervals as advised
by your physician. (Return to Top)
Disclaimer: The
VasMARQ™ Home Diagnostic Screening Test is not available for sale
in the U.S.
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