Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences establishes cytogenetic lab to diagnose chromosome disorders

Puducherry: A new cytogenetic lab has been set up by the human genetics division of the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for diagnosing chromosome (that contain genetic information for growth and development) disorders from blood and bone marrow samples of patients.

Numerical and structural changes in chromosomes can lead to various non reversible defects.

The chromosome abnormality detection laboratory will help treat blood cancer, long standing anemia, and will also be able to undertake molecular cytogenetic study — fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) — to define some blood cancer conditions.

Genetic counselling for the various chromosomal conditions like single gene disorders, consanguineous marriages and specific syndromes with genetic backgrounds has been initiated at the human genetics division of the institute, reports the TOI.

The laboratory is also meant to act as an instrument for managing different conditions in both children and adults.These conditions are related to: mental retardation such as Down's syndrome, sexual disorders, learning difficulties, autism, seizures, multiple birth anomalies, multiple abortions, and genital abnormalities- where sex identification in the newborn is problematic.