Y-Chromosome: Microdeletion Analysis
Test Code: 3290
Turnaround time: 3 weeks
CONDITION DESCRIPTION
INDICATIONS
This test is performed on patients with azoospermia or oligospermia, as 3-30% of these men will have microdeletions in the Y-chromosome. The type of deletion present can determine the cause of infertility in some males, and have prognostic value in determining intervention. There are a total of four AZoospermic Factor (AZF) regions on the Y-chromosome: AZFa, AZFb, AZFc, and AZFd. These deletions in the Yq11 region are mostly undetectable by cytogenetic analysis.
Most cases of Y-chromosome microdeletions are new mutations. If transmitted, any child receiving the Y-chromosome will have the microdeletion. In other words, all sons will be affected.
METHODOLOGY
Molecular analysis can detect the presence/absence of these deletions by PCR (using eighteen sequence tagged sites).
DETECTION
Over 99% of AZFa, AZFb, AZFc, and AZFd will be detected by this assay.
REFERENCE RANGE
Qualitative assay.
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Type: Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements:
In EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube: Infants (2 years): 3-5 ml
Older Children & Adults: 5-10 ml
Specimen Collection and Shipping: Refrigerate until time of shipment. Ship sample within 5 days of collection at room temperature with overnight delivery.
