Cytogenetics Laboratory

UT Southwestern Medical Center has a full-service cytogenetics laboratory provides constitutional and neoplastic cytogenetic analysis of blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, chorionic villus, solid tissue, and tumor specimens, using state-of-the-art chromosome banding and molecular cytogenetic methods.

A wide range of FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) probes is available to detect acquired genetic aberrations in the cancer patient, as well as to diagnose microdeletion syndromes. In addition, the laboratory provides cell culture services for specialized metabolic and molecular testing.

The laboratory directors include fellows of the American Board of Medical Genetics and the College of American Pathologists. The technologists are particularly experienced in cytogenetics, and all are certified as Clinical Laboratory Specialists in Cytogenetics by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

The cytogenetics laboratory has served as a referee laboratory for the College of American Pathologists/American College of Medical Genetics Cytogenetics Surveys, and the directors have participated in the development of national guidelines and proficiency testing. The laboratory has had nearly 15 years of experience as an accredited cytogenetics laboratory for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), and is well known for its expertise and commitment to the highest standards of technical and professional performance.