Identifying clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities    

Expert-backed testing enables actionable interpretations

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing generates large amounts of complex data that requires a high level of expertise to accurately assess and classify each abnormality detected. Our laboratory directors and genetic counselors review thousands of microarray tests each year and are actively involved in the field of genomics, helping to create testing standards and shape practice guidelines.

Our staff includes American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics certified laboratory directors along with highly credentialed and qualified genetic counselors. Every CMA test performed at Mayo Clinic is supported by the experience and expertise of our laboratory directors and genetic counselors, ensuring we not only provide test results but clinically actionable interpretations.

Benefits of our testing

  • Manual review of software output to eliminate common errors, such as misidentification, background noise, and failure to detect mosaicism
  • Examination of every copy number finding, regardless of size, to determine the importance and relevance of gene content, rather than a strict reliance on reporting size criteria
  • Integration of historical data on common benign polymorphisms and previously reported abnormalities to improve accuracy of interpretation
  • Extensive literature and database searches to ensure accurate and up-to-date classification of abnormalities
  • Performance of parental studies, when necessary, to determine whether the chromosomal abnormality is inherited or de novo, to help determine if it is benign or pathogenic, and if future pregnancies are at risk
  • Determination of maternal cell contamination to assess if fetal (not maternal) DNA is available for analysis from prenatal specimens

When to consider testing

Diagnostic prenatal testing

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend CMA in patients with a pregnancy demonstrating one or more major structural abnormalities on ultrasound when undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis.

CMAP    | Chromosomal Microarray, Prenatal, Amniotic Fluid/Chorionic Villus Sampling

In cases of developmental delay and birth defects

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommends CMA as a first-tier, postnatal test for individuals with multiple anomalies that are not specific to well-delineated genetic syndromes, apparently nonsyndromic developmental delay or intellectual disability, or autism spectrum disorders. CMA is also an appropriate follow-up test for individuals with congenital anomalies with a previously normal conventional chromosome study.

CMACB  | Chromosomal Microarray, Congenital, Blood

In cases of intrauterine fetal demise or stillbirth

The ACOG recommends CMA analysis of fetal tissue (e.g., amniotic fluid, placenta, or products of conception) in cases of intrauterine fetal demise or stillbirth. CMA testing increases the success rate of obtaining results and improves detection of causative abnormalities. This testing is also available on both fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, expanding the clinical situations in which this testing can be used.

CMAPC  | Chromosomal Microarray, Autopsy, Products of Conception, or Stillbirth, Varies

CMAMT  | Chromosomal Microarray, Autopsy/Products of Conception/Stillbirth, Tissue

Webinar - Chromosome Analysis vs. Chromosomal Microarray

In a rapidly advancing field, selecting the appropriate genetic tests can be a challenging task. Chromosome analysis, which was once the preferred genetic test for a wide variety of congenital abnormalities, is now one of the most frequently mis-ordered genetic tests at Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

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Learn more about how to order these tests at your institution.