What is the sperm FISH test?
Sperm FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridization) test is done for the husband (male) in order to find out the abnormal chromosome (aneuploidies) in the Sperm /spermatozoa cells.
It is a cytogenetic test (the study of the structure & properties of chromosomes) to study genetic material in Male sperm sample.
Why is sperm FISH done?
The sperm FISH test allows doctors to determine if there are any abnormalities (aneuploidies) in the chromosomes of men with male factor infertility. It also allows doctors to determine the proportion of abnormality present in the chromosomes, and the probability of transmitting any abnormality to the offspring (upcoming baby) during pregnancy.
How is sperm FISH performed?
Sperm FISH is a genetic test that is performed on the sperms cells from a semen sample obtained from an infertile men. The male patient would be asked to avoid (abstain) from sexual intercourse for at least 3 days before producing a semen sample for analysis. After the semen sample is obtained, it is sent to the Genetic laboratory where it is prepared for testing.
The FISH test uses fluorescent DNA to determine the proportion of abnormal chromosomes seen. From this we can see the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa and assess the male patient’s reproductive risk and risk of transmitting any genetic conditions to their offspring (upcoming baby).
When is FISH recommended?
Sperm FISH analysis is indicated in cases of:
- Repeated miscarriages
- Recurrent implantation failure
- Repeated IVF/ ICSI fertilization failure
- Abnormal semen analysis / DNA fragmentation
- Abnormal Karyotpe test results
- Necrozoospermia (sperm is dead in the semen sample)
- Azoospermia (no sperm in the semen sample)
- An adjunct to karyotyping- confirm results
- In men with structural sex chromosome abnormalities- translocations
Is Sperm FISH test safe or painful? A FISH test is completely safe and there are no risks involved in it. Husband (male) just need to provide the sperm sample (after 3 days of avoiding sexual intercourse)