Prenatal Cytogenetics
What is Prenatal Cytogenetic testing?
Prenatal chromosome testing analyses your fetus’s chromosomes.
What are Chromosomes?
Chromosomes are packages of genetic information, which direct the body’s development. There are usually 46 chromosomes in each human cell.
A missing or an extra chromosome, or piece of a chromosome, interferes with normal development. Having such an error in the chromosomes may lead to abnormalities in your baby.
What is detected?
Cytogenetic testing detects structural and numerical chromosomal abnormalities. The most common chromosome abnormality is Down Syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, and is due to an extra chromosome 21.
What is not detected?
Prenatal cytogenetic testing does not identify all possible inherited genetic disorders and birth defects. For example; autism, cleft lip and most heart defects. Every pregnancy has some risk, 3-5%, for these kinds of defects. There are many genetic disorders that are caused by small changes in chromosomes which cannot be detected by this test.
When will I get my results?
Cytogenetic testing requires cells to grow. It may take between 10 to 15 working days to obtain a chromosome result. Results will be available from your lead maternity caregiver or consultant.
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