Chromosomal Microarray Analysis
Chromosomal Microarray Analysis — gene-chip technology
Have you heard of this test? It’s a genetic test that is supposed to be remarkably sensitive at detecting abnormalities (if there are any) where other tests could not.
Nick recently had this test performed at Children’s Hospital, Boston, and it came back slightly abnormal. The doctor (and lab) wants to have both his father and myself tested to see if there is a normal familial variation or a disease-causing one.
I found an article explaining it more thoroughly below, but here is the bottom line:
“Chromosomal microarray analysis is far better at picking up these abnormalities than other common methods,” said Dr. Arthur Beaudet, chair of the department of molecular and human genetics at BCM and an author of the paper. “It allows us to identify the source of abnormalities in many cases.”
He said the technique does not help with identifying the problem in all children, but there is a five to 12 percent chance that it will identify an abnormality in children with various disabilities where the previous chromosomal testing did not. This study involved two versions of the test, and the newer version was more successful in identifying chromosomal abnormalities.
The targeted microarray analysis used here is essentially a gene chip method of assessing the makeup of chromosomes in a particular part of the human genome (genetic blueprint).
The only (huge) problem is that the neurologist forgot to mention that this test costs a lot of money. Actually, my insurance was billed $4,000 and I have to pay 1,000. (I’m breathing heavily into a paper bag!!)
So, is it worth it? Sadly, I’m not sure I can afford to find out if there is, in fact, a chromosomal problem that has caused Nick’s problems (PDD-NOS), but then not really know what it is, perhaps??
And what about Meghan? Ugh!
Maybe we can offer ourselves as a sacrificial science project — give our blood to science! Or maybe they will have pity on the chromosomal fu**ed up family and offer us the family plan!!
I’ll have to find out more information….
Read more about the test by clicking the link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070329092046.htm
Tanya @ TeenAutism says:
December 11th, 2009 at
The chromosomal connections would be interesting to see, but I think I’ll wait until the price tag is lower!
Ana says:
April 8th, 2010 at
I’m willing to pay for it out pocket. I just want to know if my genes had anything to do w/ my son’s Autism.
Especially, If I ever consider having another child. Which, I don’t plan on.
But, it’s always on the back of my head. I just need to know if I or my husband have any genetic abnormalities.