Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) also commonly referred as ArrayCGH or simply Microarrays, is genome wide scan at very high-resolution using DNA from the individual and provides information on thousands of genes in one test. It can precisely define which genes are missing or extra (See box). Standard chromosome studies are coarse and often provide imprecise estimate about the chromosomal regions lost or gained in an individual, and cannot exactly define the genomic content of the deletion or duplication.
The information from the microarray test provides precise information about the parts of chromosome and the genes involved in a particular disorder. This test is of practical value to the patient because it provides accurate genetic information to the physician who can then make treatment decisions and provide counseling about what to expect for the patient and in future pregnancies.
