General Information About the Test
Test Process and Preparation
In adults, the test is generally performed using a standard blood sample drawn from the arm (utilizing white blood cells). In pregnant women, amniocentesis fluid or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) biopsy material is used to determine the karyotype of the baby in the womb.
No. The karyotype test is a "large-scale" map; meaning it shows a deficiency/excess in the number of chromosomes or large deletions. It does not show "point mutations" within the genes themselves (such as SMA or cystic fibrosis); specific DNA sequencing tests are required for that.
Since chromosomes need to be cultured (multiplied) in special cell cultures in a laboratory setting until they reach a certain maturity, it can typically take 2 to 3 weeks for karyotype test results to be finalized.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
