Approximately 1,000 specimens per year are processed for routine cytogenetic analysis by the Prenatal Cytogenetics Laboratory, part of Hopkins' Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. These include amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, blood and tissues. Molecular cytogenetic analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is available for sex determination and aneuploidy screening in interphase and specific deletion syndromes by analysis of metaphase chromosomes. The laboratory is equipped with computer assisted karyotyping and imaging software for FISH analysis including 24-color capability. Most of this work is referred through the physicians and counselors of the Johns Hopkins Prenatal Diagnostic Center. The Prenatal Cytogenetics Laboratory is directed by Gail Stetten.
