Routine Cytogenetic Analysis

Representative G-banded karyotype

Routine cytogenetic analysis by the Cytogenetics Core requires metaphase slides prepared by the core. Typically, 20 to 30 metaphases are analyzed, with GTL banding (G banding) primarily used unless other staining methods are required.

Other staining methods available are:

• QFQ banding (Q banding)
• Distamycin-A/DAPI staining
• CBL banding (C banding)
• AgNOR staining for satellite regions
• Nonbanding

Q-banded metaphase from a healthy male with the Y chromosome (arrow)

Details

• G banding. This staining method is used to identify individual chromosomes and their structural anomalies given the resulting banding pattern. G banding is widely used in clinical practice because it produces distinct permanent bands that allow identification of all human chromosomes and accurate characterization of numeric and structural anomalies.


Representative partial metaphase illustrating distamycin-A/DAPI staining

• Q banding. This fluorescent staining method, which uses quinacrine, is used to identify individual chromosomes and their structural anomalies given the resulting banding pattern. The characteristic banding pattern can be used to accurately identify each chromosome.
• Distamycin-A/DAPI staining. This staining method identifies heterochromatic regions found on chromosomes 1, 9, 15, 16 and Y.
• C banding. This staining method is used to analyze normal and abnormal structural variations in chromosomes by locating centromeric and Yq constitutive heterochromatin.


Representative partial metaphase illustrating C banding

• AgNOR staining for satellite regions. This staining method is used to locate nucleolar organizer regions on chromosomes. It's useful for studies of chromosomes with double satellites, chromosome polymorphisms and structural abnormalities involving satellite regions.
• Nonbanding. Typically, 20 metaphases are stained by nonbanding and analyzed for minor anomalies, such as chromatid breaks and gaps; major anomalies, such as acentric fragments and dicentric chromosomes; and radial configurations, such as triradials, quadriradials and complex radial formations.

Representative nucleolar organizing region-banded partial metaphases illustrating double satellites (A) and an isodicentric chromosome with satellites at both ends (B)

Fees

The cost for each project depends on services completed. This information is provided in each project quote, which must be approved by the principal investigator prior to project initiation.

Contact

For more information or to initiate a project, contact the core at 507-284-0128 or by email.