DNA FRAGMENTATION INDEX
DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is a measure of the amount of fragmented DNA in a .0sample. It is typically used in the evaluation of male fertility, as high levels of
fragmented DNA in sperm can indicate reduced fertility.
The DFI is calculated by analyzing the integrity of the DNA in individual sperm cells. This is usually done using a technique called flow cytometry, which involves staining the sperm cells with a fluorescent dye and then passing them through a flow cytometer, a specialized instrument that can analyze individual cells based on their fluorescence properties.
The flow cytometer measures the amount of fluorescence emitted by each cell,
which is directly proportional to the amount of fragmented DNA in the cell. The DFI is then calculated as the percentage of cells in the sample that have high levels of fragmented DNA.
DFI values can vary widely depending on the individual and the specific
circumstances of the sample collection. Generally, a DFI of less than 15% is
considered normal, while a DFI of over 30% is considered high and may indicate reduced fertility. However, it is important to note that DFI values are not the only
factor in assessing male fertility, and other factors such as sperm count, motility, and morphology should also be considered.