What is Array CGH testing?

In the May/June, 2006 issue of FlaGStone, Alexis Poss explained it to us. Here is the introduction to that article: “In late 2004 a new tool became available in clinical genetics called array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) or sometimes just called a “chromosome micro array”. The micro array is being widely adopted now as a powerful screen, particularly for patients who do not have a clear diagnosis. From the geneticist’s point of view the micro array screens many different places along the chromosomes. From the patient’s point of view, the screen involves taking a blood sample, sending it to a specific laboratory, with results often available in less than a week. Like many places where micro array has been adopted, it has been our experience that micro array has the ability to diagnose a condition that we had not suspected.” Basically, the array CGH test is a detailed look at all chromosomes. It will show minute deletions, mutations or duplications in various sections of a chromosome (and thus the genes in that section might be deleted, mutated or duplicated). It would appear that a normal CGH test would still make the child a candidate for FG Syndrome.