Anti-Ovarian Antibodies (AOA)
Introduction
Anti-Ovarian
Antibodies (AOA) have been reported in women with premature ovarian
failure and unexplained infertility. Among women with infertility, those
with evidence of ovarian autoimmunity appear to have poorer in vitro
fertilization (IVF) treatment outcomes than women without antiovarian
antibodies. Both reduced responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation and
reduced pregnancy rates are observed in women with ovarian antibodies. The
frequency of antiovarian antibodies among women with premature ovarian
failure varies between 35% and 69% depending on the patient population
studied.
Indication for Testing
All women
experiencing premature ovarian failure, having an elevated day 3 FSH
level, experiencing unexplained infertility or experiencing a poor
response to gonadotropin stimulation should be tested for the presence of
anti-ovarian antibodies.
Detection Method
Antiovarian antibodies are
detected by solid phase ELISA procedure.
Interpretation of Test Results
Positive
values were those greater than 3 standard deviations above the control
mean.
Specimen Collection and Shipping
Requirements
- Collect one (1) 10 ml red or tiger top ube.
- Ship at room temperature in prepaid FedEx mailers overnight, next
day morning
Turn around Time
Processing of specimens
begins immediately upon receipt at our facilities. Results are routinely
available within 7 to 10 days and are initially faxed, then mailed to the
requesting physician.
Cost
Included in our fees are specimen
collection and shipping materials, all courier and shipping charges,
telephone and written reports, and consultation with physicians. Please
call (312) 274-1928 for pricing information.
Request Hard Copy
References
Coulam CB. Autoimmune ovarian
failure. Sem Reprod Endocrinol 1983;1:161-167.
Luborsky JL, Vinsintin I, Boyers S, Asari T, Caldwell B, DeCherney A.
Ovarian antibodies detected by immobilized antigen immunoassay in patients
with premature ovarian failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1990;70:69-75.
Luborsky J, Llanes B, Roussev R, Coulam C. Ovarian Antibodies, FSH and
Inhibin B are independent markers associated with unexplained infertility.
Hum Reprod 2000;15:1046-1051.
| 
