OBJECTIVETo establish an accurate, fast and simple screening method for AZF microdeletions using capillary technology and use it for clinical testing.

METHODSFor each pair of primers, the 5' end of either forward or reverse primer was labeled with a FAM, JOE or TAMRA fluorescence dyes to establish multiplex quantitative fluorescence PCR systems for the establishment of a screening method of Y chromosome AZF microdeletions by capillary technology. The detection of Y chromosome AZF microdeletion was carried out on 725 cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, oligospermia or asthenospermia.

RESULTSA screening method for Y chromosome AZF microdeletions using capillary technology was established. Thirty eight cases of AZF microdeletions were found among 725 cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, oligospermia or asthenospermia, which gave a deletion rate of 5.24%. Y chromosomal microdeletions were found in 8.62% of the azoospermia group, 6.75% of the oligozoospermic group, and 2.23% of the asthenospermia group.

CONCLUSIONAn accurate, fast and simple screening method of Y chromosome AZF microdeletions by capillary technology has been established, which may have an important clinical value.