Back to Test Compendium

Chromosomal Microarray - Regina

Discipline

Genetics and Genomics

Overview

Description

Ordering recommendations

  • Ordering of this test is restricted to physicians who have been approved by the Department of Medical Genetics
Special Instructions
  • Pediatricians are pre-approved to order microarray testing
  • Samples will be sent to Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster. DNA banking from these sample submissions are not possible. Do not send to RRPL.

Ordering requirements

Alias

  • CMA
  • Array

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Peripheral blood/whole blood

Specimen collection container

Preferred collection container

  • 1 Green (Sodium Heparin, not Lithium) and
  • 2 x 3 mL EDTA (Mauve)
  • Newborn Infants (< 1 month): minimum 1 mL Sodium Heparin and 1 mL EDTA

Collection procedure

  • Invert tube several times to mix
  • Specimen must be accompanied by a completed test requisition, signed by physician
  • Failure to include relevant patient information may result in test results being delayed or discontinued

Required volume

  • Optimal volume: 4-7 mL for EDTA

  • Minimum volume: 2 mL

(Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.)

Transport and stability

  • Ship specimens at ambient temperature
  • Specimens may be stored at 2-8°C

Rejection criteria

  • Specimens with less than 1 mL of peripheral blood or cord blood
  • Blood specimen >7 days post collection
  • Repeat test requests when microarray results from same platform
  • Mislabelled/unlabelled specimens
  • Leaking specimens
  • Improperly stored specimens 
  • Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Acceptance and Rejection Criteria

Testing Information

Relevant clinical history

  • Developmental Delay/MR          
  • Prenatal growth retardation
  • Postnatal growth anomalies
  • Dysmorphic features
  • Congenital anomalies
  • Neurological issues

Performance

Methodology

  • Microarray detects gains or losses of targeted DNA sequences including aneuploidy, with high accuracy and sensitivity. 
  • How testing is performed - Referred out.

Days/times performed

Availability

Royal Columbian Hospital
Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory Rm. B180
330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L 3W7 Tel: (604) 520-4484 Fax: (604) 520-4149

Last Updated: March 28, 2024