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Karyotyping

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Anonymous

14y ago
Updated: 6/22/2024
Definition

Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells, which can help identify genetic problems as the cause of a disorder or disease. This test can:

  • Count the number of chromosomes
  • Look for structural changes in chromosomes
Alternative Names

Chromosome analysis

How the test is performed

The test can be performed on almost any tissue, including:

  • Amniotic fluid
  • Blood
  • Bone marrow
  • Tissue from the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed a growing baby (placenta)

To test amniotic fluid, an amniocentesis is done.

A bone marrow specimen requires a bone marrow biopsy.

The sample is placed into a special dish and allowed to grow in the laboratory. Cells are later taken from the growing sample and stained. The laboratory specialist uses a microscope to examine the size, shape, and number of chromosomes in the cell sample. The stained sample is photographed to provide a karyotype, which shows the arrangement of the chromosomes.

Certain abnormalities can be identified through the number or arrangement of the chromosomes. Chromosomes contain thousands of genes that are stored in DNA, the basic genetic material.

How to prepare for the test

There is no special preparation needed.

How the test will feel

How the test will feel depends on whether the sample procedure is having blood drawn (venipuncture), amniocentesis, or bone marrow biopsy.

Why the test is performed

This test is usually done to evaluate a couple with a history of miscarriages, or to examine any child or baby who has unusual features or developmental delays that suggest a genetic abnormality.

The bone marrow or blood test can be done to identify the Philadelphia chromosome, which is found in about 85% of people with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

The amniotic fluid test is done to check a developing fetus for chromosome abnormalities.

Normal Values
  • Females: 44 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes (XX), written as 46, XX
  • Males: 44 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes (XY), written as 46, XY
What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may be due to a genetic syndrome or condition, such as:

This list is not all-inclusive.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

The risks are related to the procedure used to obtain the specimen.

See:

In some cases, an abnormality may occur as the cells as growing in the lab dish. Karyotype tests should be repeated to confirm that an abnormal chromosome problem is actually in the body of the patient.

Special considerations

Chemotherapy may cause chromosome breaks that affect normal karotyping results.

See also: Mosaicism

Your doctor may also order other tests that go together with a karyotype:

  • Telomere studies -- look at the ends of the chromosomes
  • Microarray -- looks at small changes in the chromosomes
  • Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) -- looks for small mistakes such as deletions in the chromosomes
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14y ago

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Why human red blood cells are not suitable for karyotyping?

The karyotype is the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. Mature red blood cells don't have a nucleus, so they cannot be used for karyotyping.


Which type of cell could not be used for karyotyping?

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) cannot be used for karyotyping as they do not contain a nucleus. Karyotyping involves examining the number and structure of chromosomes within the nucleus of a cell, which red blood cells lack.


A scientist makes an image of all of a person's chromosomes what technique is she using?

The scientist is likely using a technique called karyotyping to create an image of a person's chromosomes. Karyotyping involves staining and arranging the chromosomes so they can be visualized under a microscope. This technique is used to analyze the number and structure of chromosomes for genetic and medical purposes.


What is the process of karyotyping and why is it important?

Karyotyping is a laboratory technique used to examine chromosomes in a cell sample to check for abnormalities. It involves arranging and photographing the chromosomes to analyze their number and structure. Karyotyping is important for diagnosing genetic disorders, determining chromosomal sex, and identifying chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomies or translocations.


What would enable you to detect aneuploidy?

Aneuploidy can be detected through various laboratory tests such as karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), or chromosomal microarray analysis. These tests analyze the number and structure of chromosomes in a sample of cells to identify any abnormalities. Additionally, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can be performed on maternal blood to screen for aneuploidies in a developing fetus.

Related Questions

What is an example of karyotyping?

Karyotyping is a laboratory technique used to visualize an individual's chromosomes. An example of karyotyping is when a karyotype is created from a blood sample to determine if a person has a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome, by analyzing the size, number, and shape of their chromosomes.


Why human red blood cells are not suitable for karyotyping?

The karyotype is the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell. Mature red blood cells don't have a nucleus, so they cannot be used for karyotyping.


Which type of cell could not be used for karyotyping?

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) cannot be used for karyotyping as they do not contain a nucleus. Karyotyping involves examining the number and structure of chromosomes within the nucleus of a cell, which red blood cells lack.


How has technology been used to make a karyotyping easier?

Because it has.


Is amniocentesis used for karyotyping?

Yes, amniocentesis is a procedure used for collecting amniotic fluid for various diagnostic tests, including karyotyping. Karyotyping involves analyzing the chromosomes in a cell sample to detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. Amniocentesis is commonly recommended during pregnancy to assess the genetic health of the fetus.


Why doctors suggest to do karyotyping for 2months old boy baby?

You will have to ask them.


A scientist makes an image of all of a person's chromosomes what technique is she using?

The scientist is likely using a technique called karyotyping to create an image of a person's chromosomes. Karyotyping involves staining and arranging the chromosomes so they can be visualized under a microscope. This technique is used to analyze the number and structure of chromosomes for genetic and medical purposes.


How are genetic diseases predicted?

By looking at the individuals chromosomes through a process called Karyotyping


Do amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling allow for karyotyping and biochemical testing of the fetus?

yes


What is the technique known as karyotyping is used to detect abnormalitites?

Karyotyping is a technique used to analyze the number, size, and shape of an individual's chromosomes. This can help detect abnormalities such as missing or extra chromosomes, or structural changes like deletions or duplications. Karyotyping is commonly used in genetics and clinical settings to diagnose genetic disorders and certain types of cancer.


Can tay-sachs disease be detected by karyotyping?

Tay-Sach's has a defective gene on chromosme 15


Why is karyotyping performed?

Karyotyping is performed to review the genetic sequencing of a person to make sure that the person does not have defective genetic material, which could lead to serious deformities or mutations that would affect the development of a person or otherwise affect the person negatively throughout their lives.