The sperm FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) test is designed to detect chromosomal abnormalities in sperm cells. Some chromosomal disorders that arise de novo during sperm production can lead to pregnancy loss and congenital anomalies; the abnormalities may take the form of an extra chromosome (trisomy), a missing chromosome (monosomy) or an extra set of chromosomes (diploidy) in the sperm.
The test uses two probe sets targeting chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y to determine the rate of aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome number) in sperm.
The sperm FISH test is especially useful in cases of unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage and failed IVF attempts. By measuring the rate of aneuploidy in sperm, it provides important information that helps refine treatment plans and improve the success rate of assisted reproduction techniques.