TEST DESCRIPTION

DNA damage by oxidative stress, is a leading cause of defective sperm function. High levels of oxidative stress result in damage to sperm DNA, RNA transcripts, and telomeres and could lead to male infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, in addition to congenital and childhood disorders.

Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) is a measure used to assess the integrity of DNA within sperm cells. It is an important parameter in evaluating male fertility potential. DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage in the DNA strands of sperm cells which are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress owing to limited levels of antioxidant defense and limited DNA-damage detection and repair mechanismσ.

A certain level of DNA fragmentation is normal and the female eggs (oocytes) will be able to detect and correct such DNA damage following fertilization. However, high levels of DNA fragmentation can impair sperm function and reduce fertility and have been associated with lower pregnancy rates, increased risk of miscarriage, and reduced success rates in assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF and ICSI.

If a high DFI is detected, it may indicate underlying issues such as oxidative stress, male reproductive system infections, exposure to environmental toxins, or other factors that can damage sperm DNA. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet, reducing exposure to toxins, and managing stress, may help reduce DNA fragmentation. In some cases, medical interventions, such as antioxidant supplementation or advanced reproductive techniques like sperm selection methods, may be recommended to improve fertility outcomes.

Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) testing may be recommended in cases of:

1. Unexplained infertility
2. Recurrent pregnancy loss
3. Failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
4. Advanced maternal age
5. Occupational or environmental exposures to factors such as radiation, chemicals, toxins, or high levels of oxidative stress

SPECIMEN TYPE: Semen (fresh or in special fixative solution)

SAMPLE COLLECTION: Self collected 

SAMPLE STORAGE & SHIPPING: Samples should be stored, until shipping, at low temperature (4◦- 8◦) in the refrigerator. Ship at ambient temperature. 

RESULT TURNAROUND TIME: Depending on how busy the lab is, we estimate you will get your results in 10 business days from the day your sample reach us *.

* Please be advised that the turnaround time for specialized diagnostic tests is indicative and not guaranteed and may be extended due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to need for additional clinical evaluation of results, repeat of analysis in cases of unclear or ambiguous results and need for resampling in case of inadequate specimen quality. Therefore, the results will be available in the indicated timeframe as long as there are no additional overheads, as stated above, that may extend turnaround time.