The drop is positioned just above a slide that has been slightly heated; as the droplet makes contact, the surface tension and heat cause the cells to rupture, spreading the chromosomes across the glass. This laboratory technique allows clinicians to detect chromosomal abnormalities that are often the root cause of developmental delays, infertility, and various congenital disorders.
How Chromosomes Are Prepared for a Karyotype: A Step-by-Step Process
Step One: Collecting and Culturing the Sample The initial phase of preparing a sample focuses on obtaining viable cells capable of division. This culturing period, which typically lasts 72 to 96 hours, is critical because chromosomes are only visible to the naked eye when the cell is actively preparing to divide.
Following the hypotonic shock, the cells are fixed in a Carnoy's solution—a mixture of methanol and acetic acid. The accuracy of these diagnoses is entirely dependent on how well the karyotype is prepared.
How Chromosomes Are Prepared Karyotype: Step-by-Step Process
During metaphase, the chromosomes are maximally condensed and distinct from one another. Step Three: Harvesting and Fixing the Cells Once the cells are arrested, they must be harvested and fixed to preserve their structure.
More About How is a karyotype prepared
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