Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (Amniotic Fluid Probe)

This section explains exactly what the test measures and what the results can tell you and your healthcare provider about your health. Depending on the specific panel ordered, the test may evaluate a blood, urine, or other sample to detect specific substances, cells, or markers that help diagnose a condition, monitor ongoing treatment, or screen for disease before symptoms appear.

The test uses a specialized probe to analyze the chromosomes present in amniotic fluid cells. This helps detect any structural abnormalities, such as missing or extra chromosome segments, that could impact fetal health.

Your doctor may order this test to help confirm or rule out a diagnosis, to investigate symptoms you have been experiencing, or to check how well a treatment is working. It can also be part of a routine checkup or preventive screening, giving your care team important information to guide decisions about your ongoing health and follow-up care.

This test is typically recommended during pregnancy if there are concerns about chromosomal disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, or Edward syndrome) based on maternal age, family history, or screening results.

A trained professional will collect your sample, usually a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in your arm or a urine specimen, depending on the test ordered. Follow any instructions from your provider, such as fasting for a set number of hours beforehand, avoiding certain foods or medications, and drinking plenty of water, since these steps help ensure the most accurate results.

Amniotic fluid is collected through a procedure called amniocentesis, where a small amount is taken from the amniotic sac. The fluid is then analyzed in a laboratory to identify chromosomal variations.

In most cases, results are available within a few days, although some specialized tests may take a week or longer to process. Your healthcare provider's office will contact you once the report is ready, or you may be able to view your results securely through an online patient portal. Ask your provider about the typical turnaround time for your specific test.

Results are usually available within 1 to 2 weeks after the sample is processed. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you in detail.