Prenatal Chromosome Analysis

Test name: Prenatal Chromosome Analysis
Also known as: Cytogenetics, Karyotyping by G-banding

Indications:
     • Advanced maternal age (> 35 years of age)
     • Abnormal prenatal screen
     • Abnormal ultrasound findings
     • Any unexplained miscarriage (see also Pregnancy Loss Microarray)
     • Family history of structural chromosome abnormality or rearrangement
     • Suspected known chromosome syndrome
     • Other fetal risk factors for genetic abnormalities
     • Recurrent pregnancy loss (2 or more) - See Instead Postnatal Chromosome Analysis

Test Information: Standard methodology is used for G-banded chromosome analysis. It is our protocol to perform Amniotic Fluid AFP (AF-AFP) on amniotic samples concurrently unless the gestational age is greater than 22 weeks 6 days in which case AChE is completed instead of AF-AFP. In most situations if AF-AFP is positive, AChE will be sent out and will be an added cost.

Additional tests available on prenatal samples (refer to additional pages for details): 
     Prenatal FISH including Rapid Aneuploidy FISH and/or Constitutional (Targeted) FISH
     Prenatal Microarray
     CMV, Toxoplasmosis, and Parvovirus B19 testing are sent out
     Single Gene Testing: If additional single gene testing is considered for a familial genetic condition or abnormal ultrasound
          findings, contact a laboratory genetic counselor prior to sending the sample for coordination of testing.

Specimen requirements:
     • CVS: 10-15 mg in sterile tissue culture media
     • POC: 0.5-1.0 cm² (sterile) chorionic villi and/or fetal tissue in tissue culture media. Amniotic fluid if IUFD or therapeutic
        abortion, if possible
     • Amniotic Fluid: 15 - 20 ml of amniotic fluid in 2 sterile tubes 
        (additional 5 ml if Prenatal FISH - Rapid Aneuploidy FISH or any other FISH - is ordered,
        AND 10-15 ml for Prenatal Microarray).

CPT codes:
     • CVS: 87109, 88235(x2), 88261, 88280(x2), 88285(x3)
     • POC: 87109, 88233(x2), 88261, 88280(x2), 88285(x3)
     • Amniotic Fluid: 88235(x2), 88269, 88280(x2), 88285  [+ 82106 for AFAFP or 82664, 82013, 82143 for AChE]
     • CMV or Parvovirus B19 ONLY: 82413, 82664, 83891, 87332
     • CMV and Parvovirus B19: 82413, 82664, 83891, 87332(x2)
     • Toxoplasmosis: 86777

Pricing: Contact the laboratory billing staff for current costs 

Shipping & Handling

Required forms: Prenatal Test Request Form

Turn-around time: Results are typically available in 10 days

Additional links: Amniocentesis brochure in English, Amniocentesis brochure in Spanish, CVS brochure

revised: 7-12-12