5 Limitations of Conventional Cytogenetics Analysis

Although conventional cytogenetics analysis is one of the essential tools for diagnostic investigation, there are several limitations too. By knowing the limitations of this study, we can find out the alternative to overcome it. Thus, I have listed down some of the limitations below.

Limitations of Conventional Cytogenetics Analysis

1. Cannot Assess Non-dividing Cells

By using conventional cytogenetics technique, we can only assess the dividing cells. This limitation becomes obvious when we wish to analyze the diseases like chronic lymphocytic leukemia, malignant myeloma and the solid tumors. Yet, the FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) technique and molecular analyses can be used to assess the non-dividing cells if the specific abnormality is known.

2. Low Efficiency

As we all know, the cytogenetics test has to be handled by the lab technologists step by step. The lacking of automation in sample processing causes the process becomes time consuming. Furthermore, only few of the cell divisions are analyzed. However, FISH and molecular analysis can be used to screen more than hundreds cells at once.

3. Insufficient Result

Sometimes, if there is insufficient cell to be analyzed, or only normal cells are found, the result is not useful for the patients.  Therefore, no matter how hard it is, the cytogeneticists have to try their best to find out the abnormalities so that the useful result can be provided to the patient.

4. Insignificant Abnormality Might be Found

It is the cytogeneticists’ responsibility to determine the clinical significance of the abnormality that was found. Sometimes, the abnormality found is not significance.

5. Poor Morphology

Sometimes, it is difficult for the cytogeneticists to detect the abnormality as the chromosome morphology is poor. This becomes obvious for detecting the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia clones as the chromosome morphology for those cells tend to be very poor. Luckily, we can still use the FISH to make sure the abnormality accurately.

Summing up, the limitations of the conventional cytogenetics analysis can be overcome by using FISH technique and other molecular techniques. Yet, the cytogeneticists have to put more effort to lessen the limitations so that the best result can be presented to the patients. Thanks for visiting Cytogenetics Cancer Research blog!

(Reference: Cancer Cytogenetics edited by John Swansbury)