AZFcheck Plus™ Kit v2.2

The AZFcheck™ Plus Kit v2.2 is a molecular diagnostic kit for investigating potential microdeletions on the Y chromosome in males. Microdeletions in the Azoospermia Factor (AZF) region are known as the most common structural chromosomal abnormalities and are a major cause of male infertility.

Infertility is a prevalent issue that has garnered significant attention from couples today. This condition affects 15 to 20 percent of couples of reproductive age worldwide, with male infertility accounting for approximately 20 to 30 percent of these cases, of which 5 to 10 percent are associated with Y chromosome microdeletions. The use of the AZFcheck™ Plus Kit v2.2 can significantly assist IVF clinics in promptly identifying the cause of infertility.

Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can overcome natural fertilization barriers and aid a portion of infertile couples in reproduction. However, these methods increase the risk of transmitting genetic defects, including AZF microdeletions and associated infertility issues, to their sons. Therefore, screening for AZF microdeletions before treatment with ART or other techniques is a crucial and vital diagnostic test that enables precise diagnosis in the shortest possible time.

This molecular diagnostic kit is designed to investigate potential microdeletions on the Y chromosome and sexual chromosome abnormalities. The kit is based on 28 markers, including 16 STS markers (short tandem repeat DNA sequences of 300 to 500 base pairs that occur once in the genome), 4 SD markers (sex determination), and 8 STR markers (short repetitive sequences of 3 to 7 base pairs). All of these markers, with high heterozygosity, are amplified using the Multiplex PCR method, and the results are determined using capillary electrophoresis.

It is worth mentioning that the presence of 7 additional X-STR markers in the AZFcheck™ Plus Kit v2.2, along with 2 SDS markers compared to the AZFcheck™ Kit v3.2, enhances the kit’s resolution power, enabling the immediate detection of X and Y chromosome aneuploidies and facilitating a more precise diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome.