Cytogenetic Blood Testing

Cytogenetic Blood Testing refers to chromosomal analysis of blood or bone marrow to look for specific gene mutations in certain leukaemias (cancers of the blood-forming cells), which may impact on treatment possibilities and prognosis.

How the Test is Performed

Cytogenetic Blood Testing is a blood test. It may take several days or even weeks for a result, depending on the exact testing required.

Medical Conditions and Symptoms

Cytogenetic Testing can be performed on blood, bone marrow, tumour tissue, or many other types of body fluids or tissues. The test is used to accurately characterise genetic material, and this has two main categories of use:

“Constitutional Karyotyping” refers to the detailing of an individuals genetic make-up, for example to determine whether they have a genetic or chromosomal condition
“Neoplastic Cytogenetic analysis” refers to the testing of cancer cells to determine their exact genetic composition, which may guide the diagnosis or even help to predict which targetted treatments may be more successful

Test Results Explained

Cytogenetic analysis looks for specific genetic or chromosomal abnormalities or disease markers. The results need to be interpreted by a professional who is familiar with the field in question, for example a geneticist or an oncologist.

Related Specialists

Related Procedures

Blood Test (venesection)
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Tissue Biopsy

Related Tests

Also Known As

Cytogenetics
Constitutional Karyotype
Neoplastic Cytogenetics
Chromosomal testing
DNA analysis

Cytogenetic Blood Testing