Cytogenetic department

In this laboratory, karyotypingis a test done on the genetic material in the human body also called chromosomes. There are two types of defects that affect chromosomes; the somatic or congenital type which occurs before birth and an acquired type that occurs after childbirth. Type I has to do with many conditions including congenital malformations, mental retardation, slow development, infertility and recurrent miscarriage. Type II has a major relationship to cancer such as leukemia. The chromosomal defect may be numerical in the form of an increase or a decrease from the normal number of 46 chromosomes.