Prenatal Cytogenetic Tests
Our prenatal cytogenetic tests provide diagnostic answers in pregnancy including after high risk results from screening tests
Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses, and investigation of genetic causes for pregnancy loss can be tested through a number of cytogenetic techniques. This includes conventional chromosome studies (karyotyping), chromosomal microarray (molecular karyotyping), and fluorescence in situ hybridisation.
Depending on the stage of the pregnancy, different sample types may need be tested. Cytogenetic investigations may be indicated to confirm high risk NIPT or first trimester screen results, or where structural anomalies of the fetus are detected by ultrasonographic examination.
Methods
Conventional chromosome analysis has long been the gold standard for detecting cytogenetic abnormalities in foetuses for prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy loss. These studies involve the analysis of the whole genome at the cellular level to detect large genomic changes and chromosomal rearrangements and readily identify whole chromosome aneuploidy (gain or loss) and chromosomal rearrangements (balanced or large unbalanced). It is applicable where the primary clinical or test result indications are syndromes such as Down syndrome or Turner Syndrome.
This test involves culturing white blood cells to produce metaphase spreads of chromosomes, from which slides are prepared and representative cells are captured into digital images.
Recent studies in high risk prenatal diagnosis have shown that cytogenetic investigation by chromosomal microarray (also known as molecular karyotyping) has an improved detection rate of pathogenic abnormalities as they allow the detections of chromosomal deletions and duplications at much higher resolutions.
The molecular karyotype will provide information about the genes involved in the regions of copy number alteration and can detect common causes of pregnancy loss, such as whole or partial chromosome aneuploidy, triploidy and molar pregnancies. The information provided will assist in the management of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) is a targeted molecular cytogenetic technique used for the investigation of precise chromosome regions, particularly relevant when a specific condition is suspected. The technique binds a colour labelled DNA probe to a specific region on the patient chromosomes.
As this is a targeted test it is important when requesting a FISH test to indicate the clinical condition that is being tested for.
Sample Types
| Test Name | Chromosomes Analysis on CVS | FISH on CVS |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Indication | Prenatal diagnosis in patients with indications of a high-risk pregnancy | For prenatal diagnosis of suspected chromosomal syndromes |
| Gene(s) | All chromosomes | 13, 18, 21 and X and Y chromosomes |
| Method | Conventional Chromosome analysis OR Microarray analysis | FISH for 13, 18, 21, X and Y chromosomes |
| Turn Around Time | 10-12 days | 1 day |
| Medicare Eligibility | 73287 | No |
| Sample Type | 10-30mg Chorionic villus sample (Doctor collect) | |
| Collection Type | Sterile 10ml tube | |
| Special Instructions | Doctor collect only. Both tests performed on each sample. | |
| Test Name | Chromosomes Amniotic Fluid | FISH on Amniotic fluid |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Indication | Prenatal diagnosis in patients with indications of a high-risk pregnancy | For prenatal diagnosis of suspected chromosomal syndromes |
| Gene(s) | All chromosomes | 13, 18, 21 and X and Y chromosomes |
| Method | Conventional chromosome analysis OR Microarray analysis | FISH 13, 18, 21, X and Y chromosomes |
| Turn Around Time | 10-12 days | 1 day |
| Medicare Eligibility | 73287 | No |
| Sample Type | 2 x 9mL amniotic fluid (Doctor collect) | |
| Collection Type | Sterile 10mL tube x 2 | |
| Special Instructions | Doctor collect only. DO NOT SEPARATE TUBES, SEND ALL TUBES TO YOUR LOCAL LABORATORY IMMEDIATELY. For overnight transport, the sample should be cooled NOT FROZEN. Both methods performed on each sample. | |
| Test Name | Chromosomes Products of Conception (POC) |
|---|---|
| Clinical Indication | For the investigation of chromosomal causes for miscarriage and pregnancy loss |
| Gene(s) | All chromosomes |
| Method | Chromosome Microarray |
| Turn around time | 18 days |
| Medicare Eligibility | 73287 |
| Sample Type | Products of Conception, Fetal Tissue & Skin (Doctor Collect) |
| Collection Type | Sterile container with Antibiotic Transport Media/ Saline |
| Special Instructions | Sample must be kept sterile and moist. DO NOT USE FORMALIN. USE ANTIBIOTIC TRANSPORT MEDIA available from the Histology Department of your local laboratory. For overnight transport cover large specimens with ANTIBIOTIC TRANSPORT MEDIA OR STERILE NORMAL SALINE and sent to your local laboratory IMMEDIATELY. Please indicate if the specimen is to be shared with Histology. |
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