Sperm vitality test
The hypoosmotic swelling test (HOS test) is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) for professional use to assess the vitality of spermatozoa in a semen sample. Unlike dead spermatozoa, living cells have intact cell membranes that allow regulated water transport under hypoosmotic conditions, which will result in swelling or coiling of the sperm tail during incubation in HOST medium.
The HOS test is a non-automated, semi-quantitative diagnostic test that assesses the vitality (membrane function) of spermatozoa in a semen sample. The HOS test can help in the diagnosis and management of male infertility. The HOS test should not be used for sperm selection in medically assisted reproduction (MAP) procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
The HOS test has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of production. Information on product composition is available in the safety data sheet.