Q&A

What is CGH array test?

What is CGH array test?

Array CGH (also known as microarray, or chromosome microarray (CMA)) is an ultra-high resolution way of objectively and quantitatively detecting whether a patient’s DNA has losses (deletions) or gains (duplications, triplications etc) which are pathogenic and therefore explain their clinical problems.

What is CGH array for?

Array CGH is a technique which screens the whole genome to detect copy number changes (unbalanced gains/duplications and losses/deletions of genetic material) which may be contributing to a child’s phenotype.

What is detected by CGH analysis?

Array CGH detects microscopic and submicroscopic deletions and duplications at targeted areas of the genome, including loci of known microdeletion/microduplication syndromes, subtelomeric regions, and pericentromeric regions. Array CGH will also identify marker chromosomes, some cases of mosaicism, and aneuploidy.

Can Array CGH detect translocation?

Array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), which facilitates to detect unbalanced reciprocal translocation and allows screening aneuploidy for chromosomes, has been repeatedly verified to be valid for diagnosis of translocations in preimplantation human embryos.

What diseases does microarray test for?

A microarray is the recommended first line genetic test for developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD)*. CMA however, does not identify fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common cause of intellectual disability.

What is the difference between CGH and array CGH?

Array CGH is automated, allows greater resolution (down to 100 kb) than traditional CGH as the probes are far smaller than metaphase preparations, requires smaller amounts of DNA, can be targeted to specific chromosomal regions if required and is ordered and therefore faster to analyse, making it far more adaptable to …

Can a microarray detect autism?

Blue chips: Microarrays are efficient and accurate at detecting autism variants, but are virtually unknown to most pediatricians and family practice doctors.

Can CGH detect trisomy?

Here, we present an array CGH method that accurately detects chromosomal imbalances from a single lymphoblast, fibroblast and blastomere within a single day. Trisomy 13, 18, 21 and monosomy X, as well as normal ploidy levels of all other chromosomes, were accurately determined from single fibroblasts.

Can CGH detect polyploidy?

However, some changes can be made to circumvent these limitations, for example, the incorporation of single nucleotide polymorphisms probes into aCGH allows the detection of polyploidy.

How long does microarray process take?

This test compares the patient’s sample to a normal control sample to find very small missing or extra chromosome pieces that cannot be seen under a microscope. The test does not show structural changes in chromosomes. It can take up to 4 weeks to get the test results.

What is microarray testing used for?

Microarray testing is a technique that is used for a wide variety of purposes. In diagnostic testing it is primarily used to test for the presence in the patient’s DNA (their genome) of either tiny missing sections (called microdeletions) or extra duplicated sections (called microduplications).

How can array CGH be used to detect genetic changes?

Array CGH can detect smaller genetic changes than is possible by conventional karyotyping, and can provide accurate information on the size and possible consequences of the gains (duplications) or losses (deletions) identified.

When to use array CGH in a pregnancy?

Array CGH is now more frequently used for prenatal studies as an adjunct or replacement for conventional cytogenetic studies, particularly where structural fetal abnormalities are seen at ultrasound scan but also at a patient’s or doctor’s request.

Which is the front line test for CGH?

Consortiums in the USA and many EU countries have adopted array CGH as the front line test in this patient cohort.