5 Questions to Help You Choose the Right Microarray

Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) has become an essential diagnostic tool in both pediatrics and prenatal practice. However, not all microarray tests are the same, and choosing the right one depends on your clinical need, resolution, and budget.

Here are 5 important questions to guide clinicians and patients when selecting the right microarray solution.

 1. Need: What are you testing for?

• Aneuploidies (extra or missing chromosomes): These can be picked up by karyotyping or FISH, which are cheaper alternatives.

• Balanced rearrangements: Require a karyotype, as microarray cannot detect them.

• Microdeletions/duplications: Require a microarray for accurate detection.

• Point mutations: Need sequencing-based assays, not microarray.

👉 Takeaway: Choose microarray when microdeletion/duplication syndromes are suspected.

2. Resolution: Do you need higher resolution?

Microarrays are available in different resolutions and configurations.

• Lower-resolution arrays: Detect larger deletions/duplications at a lower cost.

• High-resolution arrays: Detect smaller, rare abnormalities and provide greater genomic coverage.

👉 Takeaway: If budget allows, always prefer higher resolution arrays for more detailed results.

3. Cost: What can your patient afford?

• High-resolution arrays = More expensive but more comprehensive.

• Lower-resolution arrays = More affordable and still more powerful than karyotyping or FISH.

👉 Takeaway: A lower-resolution array is still better than older technologies if budget is limited.

4. Index Case: Is there a family history or previous case?

• Many genetic tests (like sequencing) require an index case for comparison.

• Microarray does not require an index case, making it ideal for de-novo or first-time cases with no family history.

👉 Takeaway: Microarrays can be used effectively even without prior genetic information.

5. Clarity: Do you need actionable insights or raw data?

• A microarray machine generates raw bioinformatics output.

• What really matters is clinical interpretation—where an experienced, certified geneticist correlates genotype with phenotype.

• Without clinical interpretation, results may be confusing and inconclusive.

👉 Takeaway: Always choose a lab that provides expert genetic interpretation, not just machine-generated reports.

Final Word: Choosing the Right Microarray Matters

The right microarray test and provider can make a huge difference in a patient’s diagnostic journey. At LABASSURE, we ensure:

• High-quality microarray platforms (HD & LD options available).

• Expert interpretation by certified geneticists.

• Clinically relevant reports for doctors and families.

📧 To know more about microarray testing options in India, contact us at info@labassure.com

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