DNA Microarray and Genetic Testing – A Powerful tool for the Detection of Congenital Abnormalities & Developmental Delays

DNA Microarray – An Introduction

Genetic testing is growing as people are becoming aware that genes govern their health and fitness. Various genetic screening methods are being implied to detect the risk of developing medical conditions, which otherwise is not possible through routine diagnostic procedures. DNA Microarray is one such tool that plays a crucial role in detecting abnormalities and disorders that may arise due to missing or extra chromosomal material.

DNA Microarray is a high resolution diagnostic test that can assess chromosomal deletions and duplications pertaining to particular genomic regions in an individual. These deletions can result in genetic abnormalities, developmental delays, autism, seizures, and the list goes on…Early diagnosis with microarray technology can help your doctors assess the risk and develop the right treatment protocol to make your health better. This method can also help in detecting genetically identical chromosomes inherited from the parents. The disorder that may have been passed from parents to the offspring can be identified with DNA Microarray.

Microarray and Prenatal Diagnosis:

Prenatal diagnosis is the need of the hour as it helps in identifying the risk of a genetic disorder in the developing baby or in the newborn. Noninvasive methods are being preferred as they utilize maternal cell-free DNA present in the mother’s bloodstream and do not pose any kind of risk to the developing fetus. Chromosomal Microarray technique (CMA), a variant of Microarray technology, is used in prenatal diagnosis to detect genetic abnormalities that cannot be detected by conventional karyotyping or any chromosome-based methodology. This methodology also detects any submicroscopic changes in genes that may affect the child’s health and normal development. Developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and ultrasound abnormalities are some other abnormalities that can be detected with the help of the CMA technique. It is also recommended as a first-tier test for the detection of intellectual disabilities and developmental delays in the prenatal arena.

When is CMA recommended?

• Abnormal maternal blood test results indicating a risk of developing a genetic disorder or birth defect
• Abnormal ultrasound findings that indicate a potential risk of developing a genetic abnormality.
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
• Advancing maternal age

Genetic Counseling and Microarray:

A qualified genetic counselor provides an unbiased opinion regarding the benefits and risks associated with the testing procedure. Pre and post-test genetic counseling sessions are provided to better understand how microarray can help in predicting the risk of developing a specific chromosomal abnormality. The vast scope of diagnosing genetic abnormalities through microarray are explained to patients. For further details and any inquiries you can visit www.genes2me.com.