Microarray: A Revolutionary Genetic Testing Tool
Advances in genetic testing have paved the way for better diagnostics and personalised healthcare. Among these powerful tools is Microarray, a sophisticated genetic test that helps detect genetic variations linked to developmental disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, and prenatal screening. It is very valuable in pregnancy-related diagnostics and provides critical insights for expecting parents.
What is Microarray?
Microarray is a highly sensitive genetic test that simultaneously assesses thousands of DNA sequences with high resolution. It detects tiny deletions and duplications or imbalances not detected by routine tests such as karyotyping. Microarray is widely applied in prenatal diagnosis, postnatal diagnosis, and screening for genetic disorders.
Why is Microarray Testing Important?
Microarray testing is recommended for various clinical scenarios, such as
- Prenatal Screening: Detects fetal genetic abnormalities, providing parents with vital information about their baby’s health.
- Unexplained Miscarriages: Helps identify chromosomal imbalances that may contribute to pregnancy loss.
- Developmental disorders: They diagnose genetic disorders causing problems with growth and neurological development.
- Infertility Investigations: Aids in identifying genetic factors affecting reproductive health.
Microarray Testing in Pregnancy
Microarray testing has revolutionised prenatal screening by providing detailed genetic information. It is usually done when:
- There is an abnormal ultrasound finding suggestive of possible genetic problems.
- The expecting mother has had recurrent pregnancy losses or a family history of genetic disorders.
- Conventional karyotyping results are inconclusive.
The Microarray test pregnancy cost is usually determined by the laboratory and type of analysis needed. However, the test provides very valuable information that helps doctors and parents in making appropriate decisions about pregnancy management.
Microarray Testing Procedure
The Microarray test is undertaken in the following steps:
- DNA Isolation: Genomic material extracted for further testing.
- Hybridization: Labelled fluorescent dye is attached with DNA and plated on a chip of microarray containing thousands of DNA probes.
- Scanning and Analysis: This chip is detected for variations deletions, or duplications in the sequences of the genomic.
- Generation of reports: Detailed report to the concerned doctor highlighting notable genetic findings in a case report.
Types of Microarray Testing
Microarray tests are classified based on their genetic analysis approach:
- Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) Microarray: Detects copy number variations (CNVs) like deletions and duplications.
- Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Microarray: Identifies single base-pair changes that may be linked to genetic diseases.
- Expression Microarray: Analyzes gene expression patterns in various conditions.
Who Should Consider a Microarray Test?
- Pregnant women with abnormal prenatal screening results.
- Couples with recurrent pregnancy losses.
- Parents of children with unexplained developmental delays or birth defects.
- Individuals with a family history of genetic disorders.
Microarray vs. Karyotyping: Which One is Better?
Feature | Microarray | Karyotyping |
Resolution | Higher, detects small genetic changes | Lower, detects only large abnormalities |
Detection | Finds deletions, duplications, CNVs | Identifies numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities |
Application | Ideal for prenatal and postnatal screening | Traditional method for chromosomal analysis |
Limitations of Microarray Testing
- Does not detect balanced chromosomal translocations.
- Cannot identify single-gene mutations (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia).
- Requires expert genetic counselling to interpret results accuratel
FAQ'S
Ans: The test results usually take 7 to 14 days to become available, depending on the laboratory and the complexity of the analysis. recurrent miscarriages.
Ans: Yes, when performed using amniotic fluid or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), it is considered safe under the guidance of a trained specialist.
Ans: Microarray provides much more detailed genetic insights than karyotyping, but it doesn’t replace karyotyping altogether. In certain cases, the two tests are used together to ensure a full genetic evaluation.
At Seeds of Innocens, we offer the latest Microarray testing to couples to give them an enhanced genetic perspective on their babies. Whether your concern is over your baby’s health or an unexplained miscarriage, we have the professionals here to support you. Book your Microarray test today.