2012-05-19
Bone marrow karyotyping
All human genes are packed appropriately and form structures called chromosomes. Human has 46 chromosomes (22 autosomes and a pair of sex chromosomes –XX or XY). The whole of chromosomes in the cell is called karyotype.
Every human somatic (asexual) cell contains complete complement of chromosomes (46 chromosomes - 2n), and therefore cell karyotype often is called human karyotype. Female’s karyotype is 46, XX, and male’s karyotype is 46, XY.
Karyotyping is cytogenetic technique enabling visually evaluate person’s chromosome entity: their number, structure and sex chromosomes. Only gross chromosomal changes are evaluated during this test.
Cells (blood or bone marrow cells) for karyotype analysis are grown in special medium. After that cell growth is stopped at metaphase (spiral chromosomes are clearly visible in this cell division phase), cells are smeared on microscope slide, fixed, stained and analyzed by microscope using special computer software.
Bone marrow karyotyping
Analysis is performed in hematology patients (patients with hematopoietic malignancies):
•to diagnose acute and chronic leukemia ant to evaluate prognosis;
•to select appropriate treatment regime;
•to evaluate response to treatment.
At least 20 cells are analyzed during this procedure.
Bone marrow analysis is performed from Monday to Thursday. SOPRO laboratory do not collect bone marrow specimens; they are obtained by hematologists in hospitals. Analysis results are presented after 2-4 weeks.