Karyotyping questions

erosybelle

11 Posts
Reply Karyotyping questions Posted on: Mar 10, 2011 at 2:48am
Hi Dr. Braverman,

Thanks again for a great, thorough, and informative consult last week.

We had some questions about the karyotyping tests, trying to balance thorough testing with a limited budget.

Primarily, we're wondering how big a part of the overall picture the karyotyping is, and whether it would make any sense to first evaluate the immune panel we did and see if there are any markers there.
If not, we could then proceed to the karyotyping...would this make sense?

Next - I've been reading that for the male, the karyotyping is primarily indicated in cases of low sperm count or oligospermic sample - if the semen analyses indicated good results, would there be another reason to test the male's karyotype?

Finally - if we were to try to do the karyotype testing through a lab that accepts our insurance, can the tests be coded simply as immunological diagnostics? Our insurance does not cover anything related to fertility.

Thanks in advance, and best wishes,
Nora and Martin

Dr. Braverman

2026 Posts
Re: Karyotyping questions Posted on: Mar 10, 2011 at 4:21am
Karyotyping is an important part of the workup for both of you. The genetic testing you are thinking about regarding abnormal semen analysis is a Y chromosome deletion. That is not what we are looking for when we karyotype both of you, we are looking for translocations that can affect the genetics of the embryo. The Y chromosome deletion test is a completely different test. If we order the karyotyping through a local lab they almost always cover regardless of infertility coverage so that should work for you.

I hope that helps but be sure to cancel the karyotyping through the immune lab if you are going to be charged for it and let my staff order through a Quest lab.
Braverman Medical Team
Braverman Reproductive Immunology P.C.