Comparative genomic hybridization (cgh) microarray also known as a "microarray" or "chromosomal microarray" is a method of studying all of person’s DNA in one test. In this test, many small probes are used to determine if there are any extra or missing pieces of DNA. The patient sample that is being tested is compared to a reference or control sample. A computer reads the information from the test and tells scientists if there is more or less DNA present from the patient than from the reference sample. If there is more patient DNA, then the patient may have extra DNA, called a duplication. If there is less DNA from the patient, the patient may have a missing DNA, called a deletion. The microarray can detect smaller gains or losses of DNA that a karyotype can, but it cannot detect mutations within a specific gene that do not result in missing or added genetic information. Having said this, microarrays are used to look at specific genes for added or lost DNA when a genetic sequence test comes back negative in a person who appears to have a specific genetic condition. Microarray testing has identified many new microdeletion conditions ( a chromosomal deletion smaller than 5 million base pairs) such as 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome that could not be found by conventional cytogenetic methods. To find a genetic professional near you who is experienced in discussing and ordering microarray testing, visit one of the following two sites: American College of Medical Geneticists website ([link url="” target=”_blank”>www.acmg.net) and the National Society of Genetic Counselors website: [link url="” target=”_blank”>www.nsgc.org.
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