Quick Question

reabt

I did some google research but since I got some mixed anwsers I just wanted some clarity. So, is a microarray analysis the same as a karyotype analysis, or are they different? Thanks ladies!

ToastieSimons

They are different.  Basically a karyotype looks at how many chromosomes are there.  If there is a major issues (such as trisomy 21 and there is a complete extra chromosome) it will detect it.  

A microarray breaks down the chromosomes into a certain amount of pieces and checks visually if they are all there.  

Basically a karyotype is like a far away picture of the chromosomes, there has to be huge defects for the test to pick them up.  

A microarray is a closer up picture of all the chromosomes.  The defects don't have to be as physically big for the test to pick them up. 

reabt

Thank you thank you!