16. Cytogenetics• • •

Prenatal AnalysisPostnatal AnalysisEquipment

16 CYTOGENETICS

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The aim of Cytogenetic investigation is the study of cellular chromosome compliment as an organised representation of the nuclear genome. The chromosome content, karyotype, is classified on the basis of both chromosome number and morphology, which are fixed characteristics for a particular species. The identification and characterisation of constitutional abnormalities and acquired chromosome abnormalities, are the focus of two large areas of diagnostic investigation.

From the clinical point of view, cytogenetic analysis is a fundamental tool for prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of several pathologies concerning general and specialist medicine; and it is the basis of prevention programmes for congenital and hereditary diseases.

Starting from a long experience in the field of cytogenetic analysis EuroClone has created an optimized combination of media, plastic consumable, synchronizing agents, and equipments for pre and postnatal analysis.

Prenatal analysisCytogenetic pre natal analysis is the early detection of genetic diseases in a fetus/embryo before it is born. The aim is to detect birth defects such as neural tube defects, Down syndrome, chromosome abnormalities, genetic diseases and other conditions. Common procedures used in

pre natal cytogenetic diagnosis include amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling and long term culture of derived cells for a subsequent karyotyping.

Amniomed Plus , Amniodish, Amnioslide, AmnioFlask, Chromosome FBS

Postnatal analysisPostnatal cytogenetic analysis refer to the karyotyping of samples derived from peripheral blood and bone marrow. Chromosome analysis may be performed for several indications, including: multiple congenital

anomalies, infertility, family history of chromosomal abnormalities, mental retardation and to evaluate hematologic disorders.

Chromosome kit & medium P and M, ChromosomeSynchro kit & medium P and M, Synchroset, Chromosome FBS, ChromoLympho-B proliferation Factor

EquipmentEuroClone answers to the need of automation and standardisation of procedures in the Cytogenetic Labs through a complete range of instruments that allow to mechanically reproduce all the manual

operations required on chromosome preparation steps, will ensure excellent results, perfectly reproducible in any environmental situation, and will drastically reduce the time and the work-load.

Optichrome, Quickchrome, Autochrome, Hychrome