Clinical Information

Aneuploidy or unbalanced chromosome rearrangements are often found in patients with intellectual disability, developmental delay, autism, dysmorphic features, or congenital anomalies. Some chromosomal abnormalities are large enough to be detected with conventional chromosome analysis. However, many pathogenic rearrangements are below the resolution limits of chromosome analysis (approximately 5 megabases). Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is a high-resolution method for detecting copy number changes (gains or losses) across the entire genome in a single assay and is sometimes called a molecular karyotype.

This CMA test utilizes greater than 2 million copy number probes and approximately 750,000 single nucleotide polymorphism probes for the detection of copy number changes and regions of excessive homozygosity. Identification of regions of excessive homozygosity on a single chromosome could suggest uniparental disomy (UPD), which may warrant further clinical investigation when observed on chromosomes with known imprinting disorders associated with UPD. In addition, the detection of excessive homozygosity on multiple chromosomes may suggest consanguinity and, therefore, could be useful in determining candidate genes for further testing for autosomal recessive disorders.

An online research opportunity called GenomeConnect (genomeconnect.org) is available for the recipients of genetic test results. This patient registry collects deidentified genetic and health information to advance knowledge of genetic variants. For more information see GenomeConnect Patient Portal.