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HelpMayo Test ID CMAPC Chromosomal Microarray, Autopsy, Products of Conception, or Stillbirth
Ordering Guidance
This test does not detect balanced chromosome rearrangements, such as Robertsonian or other reciprocal translocations, inversions, or balanced insertions.
If a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimen is submitted, the test will be canceled and CMAMT / Chromosomal Microarray, Autopsy/Products of Conception/Stillbirth, Tissue will be added and performed as the appropriate test.
For answers to frequently asked questions and more information, see Pregnancy loss on MayoClinicLabs.com.
Additional Testing Requirements
A maternal blood sample is requested when ordering this test (see PPAP / Parental Sample Prep for Prenatal Microarray Testing, Blood). Testing will not be rejected if maternal blood is not received; however, the possibility of maternal cell contamination cannot be excluded. The PPAP test must be ordered under a different order number than the prenatal specimen.
A paternal blood sample is desired but not required, see PPAP / Parental Sample Prep for Prenatal Microarray Testing, Blood.
If additional molecular genetic or biochemical genetic testing is needed, order CULAF / Culture for Genetic Testing, Amniotic Fluid or CULFB / Fibroblast Culture for Biochemical or Molecular Testing, Chorionic Villi/Products of Conception/Tissue so that cultures may be set up specifically for use in these tests.
Shipping Instructions
Advise Express Mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
Necessary Information
1. Provide a reason for testing with each specimen. The laboratory will not reject testing if this information is not provided, but appropriate testing and interpretation may be compromised or delayed.
2. Notify the laboratory if the pregnancy involves an egg donor or gestational carrier.
Specimen Required
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Products of conception or stillbirth
Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)
Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's solution, Ringer's solution, or normal saline
Specimen Volume: 1 cm(3) of placenta (including 50-mg chorionic villi) and 1 cm(3) biopsy specimen of muscle/fascia from the thigh
Collection Instructions:
1. Attempt to identify and send only fetal tissue for analysis.
2. If a fetus cannot be specifically identified, collect 50-mg villus material or tissue that appears to be of fetal origin.
3. If multiple specimen types are sent, send each specimen in a separate container. Multiple specimens received (eg, placenta and fetal thigh) will be ordered under 1 test. All specimens will be processed separately.
Additional Information:
1. Do not send entire fetus.
2. While fresher specimens prepared as described above are preferred, we can attempt analysis on specimens that have been in less-than-ideal conditions.
Specimen Type: Autopsy
Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)
Container/Tube: Sterile container with sterile Hank's solution, Ringer's solution, or normal saline
Specimen Volume: 1 cm(3) biopsy specimen of muscle/fascia from the thigh
Collection Instructions:
1. Wash biopsy site with an antiseptic soap.
2. Thoroughly rinse area with sterile water.
3. Do not use alcohol or iodine preparations.
4. Biopsy specimens are best taken by punch biopsy to include full thickness of dermis.
Specimen Type: Amniotic fluid
Container/Tube: Amniotic fluid container
Specimen Volume: 20 to 30 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Optimal timing for specimen collection is during 14 to 18 weeks of gestation, but specimens collected at other weeks of gestation are also accepted. Provide gestational age at the time of amniocentesis.
2. Discard the first 2 mL of amniotic fluid.
Additional Information:
1. Unavoidably, about 1% to 2% of mailed-in specimens are not viable.
2. Bloody specimens are undesirable.
3. Results will be reported and telephoned or faxed if requested.
Specimen Type: Chorionic villus
Supplies: CVS Media (RPMI) and Small Dish (T095)
Container/Tube: 15-mL tube containing 15 mL of transport media
Specimen Volume: 50 mg
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect chorionic villus specimen (CVS) by transabdominal or transcervical method.
2. Transfer CVS to a Petri dish containing transport medium (such as CVS Media [RPMI] and Small Dish).
3. Using a stereomicroscope and sterile forceps, assess the quality and quantity of villi and remove any blood clots and maternal decidua.
Acceptable
Specimen Type: Cultured cells
Container/Tube: T25 flasks with culture media
Specimen Volume: 2 T25 flasks
Specimen Type: Tissue
Supplies: Hank's Solution (T132)
Container/Tube: In sterile Hank's solution
Useful For
Prenatal diagnosis of copy number changes (gains or losses) across the entire genome
Diagnosing chromosomal causes for fetal death
Determining recurrence risk of future pregnancy losses
Determining the size, precise breakpoints, gene content, and any unappreciated complexity of abnormalities detected by other methods, such as conventional chromosome and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies
Determining if apparently balanced abnormalities identified by previous conventional chromosome studies have cryptic imbalances, as a proportion of such rearrangements that appear balanced at the resolution of a chromosome study are actually unbalanced when analyzed by higher-resolution chromosomal microarray
Assessing regions of homozygosity related to uniparental disomy or identical by descent
Testing Algorithm
Maternal cell contamination (MCC) testing will be performed at no additional charge on the maternal blood and fetal tissue to rule out the presence of maternal cells in the product of conception sample. For more information see Additional Testing Requirements. If an insufficient specimen is received or MCC is identified in the prenatal specimen, microarray testing will be performed on cultured material.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Chromosomal Microarray (CMA)
Reporting Name
Chromosomal Microarray, POCSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen Minimum Volume
Chorionic villus: 10 mg; Muscle-fascia: 1 cm(3); Other specimen types: See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | ||
| Refrigerated | |||
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Chromosomal abnormalities may result in malformed fetuses, spontaneous abortions, or neonatal deaths. Estimates of the frequency of chromosome abnormalities in spontaneously aborted fetuses range from 15% to 60%.
Chromosomal microarray (CMA) studies of products of conception, a stillborn infant, or neonate (autopsy) may provide useful information concerning the cause of fetal loss. In addition, CMA may provide information regarding the recurrence risk for future pregnancy loss and risk of having subsequent children with chromosome anomalies. This is particularly useful information if there is a family history of 2 or more miscarriages or when fetal malformations are evident.
Chromosomal microarray is a high-resolution method for detecting copy number changes (gains or losses) across the entire genome in a single assay and is sometimes called a molecular karyotype.
This CMA test utilizes greater than 2 million copy number probes and approximately 750,000 single nucleotide polymorphism probes for the detection of copy number changes and regions with absence of heterozygosity. Identification of regions of excess homozygosity on a single chromosome could suggest uniparental disomy that may warrant further clinical investigation when observed on chromosomes with known imprinting disorders. In addition, the detection of excess homozygosity on multiple chromosomes may suggest consanguinity.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Interpretation
Copy number variants are classified based on known, predicted, or possible pathogenicity and reported with interpretive comments detailing their potential or known significance.
While many copy number changes observed by chromosomal microarray testing can readily be characterized as pathogenic or benign, there are limited data available to support definitive classification of a subset into either of these categories, making interpretation of these variants challenging. In these situations, a number of considerations are taken into account to help interpret results including the size and gene content of the imbalance, as well as whether the change is a deletion or duplication. Parental testing may also be necessary to further assess the potential pathogenicity of a copy number change. In such situations, the inheritance pattern and clinical and developmental history of the transmitting parent will be taken into consideration.
All copy number variants within the limit of detection classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic will be reported regardless of size. This includes but is not limited to incidental findings currently recommended for reporting by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.(1) Copy number changes with unknown significance will be reported when at least one protein-coding gene is involved in a deletion greater than 1 megabase (Mb) or a duplication greater than 2 Mb.
The detection of excessive homozygosity may suggest the need for additional clinical testing to confirm uniparental disomy (UPD) or to test for variants in genes associated with autosomal recessive disorders consistent with the patient's clinical presentation that are present in regions of homozygosity. Regions with absence of heterozygosity (AOH) of unknown significance will be reported when greater than 5 Mb (terminal) and 10 Mb (interstitial) on UPD-associated chromosomes. Whole genome AOH will be reported when greater than 5% of the genome.
The continual discovery of novel copy number variation and published clinical reports means that the interpretation of any given copy number change may evolve with increased scientific understanding.
Cautions
This test does not detect all types and instances of uniparental disomy.
This test is not designed to detect low-level mosaicism, although it can be detected in some cases.
This test does not detect point alterations, small deletions, or insertions below the resolution of this assay, or other types of variants such as epigenetic changes.
The results of this test may reveal incidental findings unrelated to the original reason for referral. In such cases, studies of additional family members may be required to help interpret the results.
Clinical Reference
1. Kalia S, Adelman K, Bale S, et al: Recommendations for reporting of secondary findings in clinical exome and genome sequencing. 2016 update (ACMG SF v2.0): a policy statement of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Genet Med. 2017;19(2):249-255. doi:10.1038/gim.2016.190
2. Shao L, Akkari Y, Cooley LD, et al. Chromosomal microarray analysis, including constitutional and neoplastic disease applications, 2021 revision: a technical standard of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genet Med. 2021;23(10):1818-1829. doi:10.1038/s41436-021-01214-w
3. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), Dugoff L, Norton ME, Kuller JA: The use of chromosomal microarray for prenatal diagnosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;215(4):B2-B9. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2016.07.016
4. Sahoo T, Dzidic N, Strecker MN, et al: Comprehensive genetic analysis of pregnancy loss by chromosomal microarrays: Outcomes, benefits, and challenges. Genet Med. 2017;19(1):83-89. doi:10.1038/gim.2016.69
5. Rosenfeld JA, Tucker ME, Escobar LF, et al: Diagnostic utility of microarray testing in pregnancy loss. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;46(4):478-486. doi:10.1002/uog.14866
Method Description
DNA extracted from either autopsy, products of conception, or stillbirth samples is labeled and hybridized to the microarray. Following hybridization, the microarray is scanned, and the intensity of signals is measured and compared to a reference data set. These data are used to determine copy number changes and regions of excess homozygosity. Chromosomal microarray data alone does not provide information about the structural nature of an imbalance, and some abnormal results may be characterized by fluorescence in situ hybridization, limited chromosome analysis, or additional techniques.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
10 to 25 daysSpecimen Retention Time
Any identifiable fetal tissue (eg, skin, muscle) is held until the completion of testing and is eventually cremated on a quarterly basis. All other tissue (eg, placenta, chorionic villus) is discarded at the time results are reported.Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
81229
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CMAPC | Chromosomal Microarray, POC | 94087-4 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 55253 | Result Summary | 86611-1 |
| 55254 | Result | 62356-1 |
| 55255 | Nomenclature | 62378-5 |
| 55256 | Interpretation | 62357-9 |
| CG945 | Reason for Referral | 42349-1 |
| CG946 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
| 55257 | Source | 48002-0 |
| 55258 | Method | 85069-3 |
| 55259 | Additional Information | 48767-8 |
| 55260 | Released By | 18771-6 |