In Vitro Investigation of the Effect of Mouthwashes on Fertility Tests

Interference Effect of Mouthwashes

Abstract

Background: Mouthwashes are not devoid of side effects like other drugs and may affect the clinical outcomes of the patients. The aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the interference effect of mouthwashes containing different chemical components on fertility tests.

Materials and Methods: A (BisBiguanide), CH (QuaternaryAmmonium), L (EssentialOils), CO  (QuaternaryAmmonium), and M (StannousFloride) were added (20 µL) to the N Protein Control SL/Low (180 µL) control solution. Samples were studied in immunoassay autoanalyzer. The same process was done by adding distilled water (20 µL) to the control solution.

Results: The bias formula was used to calculate how much the obtained results deviated from the target value. No test showed negative interference exceeding 10% in any mouthwash. The TESTO test had positive interference at a rate of 36.85% in CH. Interference was observed in the DHEAS test at a rate of 23.73% in A and 18.97% in CO. This was followed by Estradiol with 14.92%, Beta HCG with 12.82% in A and DHEAS with 11.45% in M.

Conclusions: This study has shown that the interaction potential of commercial kits with mouthwash solution contents may cause erroneous measurements in terms of hormone test results. Chlorhexidine should be prescribed with careful questioning. Essential oils seem to be safer than other mouthwashes in terms of interference.