Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Y chromosome deletion test, YCM test, AZF microdeletion analysis, Male Infertility Genetic Test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 10 days |
| Recommended For | Males investigating infertility, particularly those with low or absent sperm count |
| Price | Starting at ₹6,000 |
What is a Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test?
The Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test is a genetic blood test that looks for tiny missing segments of DNA on the Y chromosome. These missing segments, called microdeletions, can interfere with sperm production and are a recognised cause of male infertility. The test is also known as the AZF microdeletion analysis or Male Infertility Genetic Test. A small blood sample is collected and analysed in a specialised genetics laboratory.
What Does a Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test Measure?
This test examines three specific regions on the long arm of the Y chromosome, collectively called the AZF (azoospermia factor) regions. Genes in these regions play a direct role in sperm production. The following regions are analysed:
| Region | Role in Sperm Production | Effect of Deletion |
|---|---|---|
| AZFa | Early development of sperm cells | Typically causes a complete absence of sperm |
| AZFb | Maturation of sperm cells | Leads to severe disruption of sperm development |
| AZFc | Later stages of sperm production | May still allow some sperm retrieval in many cases |
Why is a Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test Done?
This test is ordered when a man is being investigated for infertility. Microdeletions in the AZF regions are among the most common structural chromosomal causes of male infertility.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Inability to conceive after regular, unprotected attempts
- No sperm detected in a semen analysis (azoospermia)
- Very low sperm count (severe oligospermia)
- Abnormal sperm shape or movement
- Small testes on physical examination
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Non-obstructive azoospermia (complete absence of sperm, not caused by a physical blockage)
- Severe oligospermia (fewer than 1 million sperm per millilitre of semen)
- Moderate oligospermia (1 to 5 million sperm per millilitre of semen)
- Sertoli cell only syndrome (a condition where the testes contain supporting cells but no sperm-producing cells)
- AZF microdeletion-related infertility, identified as the most frequent structural chromosomal abnormality in infertile men
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test procedure is straightforward and requires no special preparation beyond what is listed below.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant family history, as this information is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking; you generally do not need to stop them unless your doctor advises otherwise
- Stay well-hydrated, as this makes the blood draw easier
- If you have had a bone marrow transplant from a different donor, inform your doctor before the test, as this can interfere with the results
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic solution.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein, and 2 ml of blood is drawn into a lavender-capped EDTA tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied; the process takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is labelled and stored at the correct temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) for safe transport.
- The sample is dispatched to a specialised genetics laboratory for analysis.
- The laboratory uses endpoint PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to examine the DNA for microdeletions in the AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc regions.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect the reliability of your results:
- A previous bone marrow transplant from a donor (not a matched sibling) can interfere with DNA analysis
- Recent blood transfusions may affect the sample
- Poor sample handling or incorrect storage temperatures can compromise results
- Rare genetic variants (polymorphisms) may occasionally lead to false-positive or false-negative findings
- Contamination of the blood sample during collection
Understanding Your Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test Results
Results are reported as either "No deletion detected" or "Deletion detected" for each AZF region. A doctor or genetic counsellor should always review your results in the context of your full clinical picture.
| Region | Normal Result | Interpretation (if Deletion Detected) |
|---|---|---|
| AZFa | No deletion detected | Associated with Sertoli cell only syndrome and azoospermia |
| AZFb | No deletion detected | Associated with severe azoospermia |
| AZFc | No deletion detected | May be associated with oligospermia or azoospermia; sperm retrieval for assisted reproduction may be possible in many cases |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
A previous allogeneic bone marrow transplant (from a donor who is not the patient) will interfere with testing and may produce unreliable results.
Rare genetic variants in the Y chromosome can also occasionally produce false-positive or false-negative outcomes.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because Y chromosome microdeletions are genetic, they cannot be prevented or altered through diet or lifestyle. The following steps can help you move forward after your results:
- Consult a reproductive medicine specialist to discuss your options, including assisted reproductive technologies if appropriate
- Seek genetic counselling before and after testing to understand what your results mean for you and any potential offspring
- Maintain overall health through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, which support general reproductive wellbeing
Lupin Diagnostics Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test Price and Home Collection
The Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹6,000, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 6000 |
| CHENNAI | 6000 |
| HYDERABAD | 6000 |
| KOLKATA | 6000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 6000 |
| PUNE | 6000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 10 days.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test across multiple cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Men with no sperm in their semen (azoospermia), a very low sperm count (severe oligospermia), or unexplained male infertility are the primary candidates for this test. Microdeletions in the AZF regions are found in approximately 3% of infertile men, making this one of the most common identifiable genetic causes of male infertility.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as normal before the blood sample is taken. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.
The report is typically delivered within 10 days of sample collection. This is because the test involves genetic analysis using PCR technology, which takes longer than routine blood tests.
It depends on which region is affected. Men with AZFc deletions have a relatively good chance of having sperm retrieved for assisted reproduction. However, men with AZFa, AZFb, or combined deletions generally have a very poor outlook for sperm retrieval. A reproductive specialist can advise on the most appropriate next steps.
Yes. If assisted reproduction is successful, Y chromosome microdeletions are passed on to all male offspring, who will face a similar risk of infertility. Female offspring are not affected, as they do not carry the Y chromosome.
Most cases arise from new (de novo) deletions that occur during the formation of sperm cells in an affected person's father, who is typically not infertile himself. This means your father may not have the same deletion, but it can still appear in you.
Men with Y chromosome microdeletions generally do not experience any other signs or symptoms. The condition is specific to sperm production. A physical examination may show smaller-than-average testes in some men, but no other health concerns are typically linked to this condition.
Y Chromosome Microdeletion Test: Booking, Price, and Results
