Cytogenetics Laboratory
The Michigan State University Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory offers a full range of cytogenetic testing. Established in 1969, the MSU Cytogenetics Laboratory has built a solid reputation by providing service of the highest caliber. Services include: timely processing of samples, direct and personalized reporting of results, availability of preliminary reports, professional staff including board certified genetic counselors, competitive fees and arranged specimen transportation.
The MSU Cytogenetics Laboratory employs a multidisciplinary team of highly trained, experienced professionals including cytogenetic technologists certified by the National Certification Agency (NCA).
Dr. Sainan Wei, director of the DNA Diagnostic Program and Cytogenetics Laboratory, is board certified in clinical molecular genetics and clinical cytogenetics. She received her training from MSU and Henry Ford Hospital.
The MSU Cytogenetics Laboratory is dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective patient care. To ensure this standard, we are fully accredited under CLIA/CAP guidelines, participate in several proficiency programs and follow the guidelines for cytogenetic laboratory testing prescribed by the American College of Medical Genetics. In addition, the MSU Cytogenetics Laboratory is accredited by the Children’s Oncology Group.
The MSU Cytogenetics Laboratory uses state-of-the-art cytogenetic technologies. We employ specialized cell culture techniques, such as in situ cover-slip methods, to obtain high quality mitotic images. Karyotypes are produced using an advanced computerized karyotyping system. MSU Cytogenetics has also incorporated FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) technology. FISH can be useful in identifying subtle chromosome changes often unobservable with standard chromosome analysis. FISH is especially useful in identifying submicroscopic rearrangements associated with certain types of cancer and for diagnosing specific microdeletion and microduplication syndromes. Prenatal detection of trisomy 13, 18, 21 and sex chromosome aneuploidy is possible within 24-48 hours using FISH on uncultured amniotic fluid.
A telephone and/or faxed report is made on all amniocentesis, newborn and oncology cases. The written report includes an analysis and interpretation of the findings as well as an original karyotype. Genetic counseling regarding abnormal test results or evaluation for further diagnostic evaluation is available through our clinical genetics team. View the test panel.
We are also pleased to announce that the MSU Cytogenetics Laboratory has recently acquired the latest in comparative genomic hybridization technology from Affymetrix. This SNP platform uses 2.7 million probes, allowing the highest resolution for the detection of pathogenic copy number variations as well as loss of heterozygosity and uniparental disomy. We are currently in the validation process and plan to offer clinical testing soon. This new platform will also be available on a research basis for gene expression analysis as well as plant, animal and human genome studies.
Faculty and Staff
- Sainan Wei, PhD, FACMG, Director and Assistant Professor
- Daniela Iacoboni, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor
- Susan Treadway, Laboratory Supervisor, CLSp (CG)
- Celia Seniff, CPO
- Amy Pinckney, CPO
- Jamie Rehkopf, CPO
- Lab Tech II
- Cynthia Sloan CLSp (CG)
- Sirinunt Hope CLSp CLSp (CG)
- Diane Scharnowske, CLSp(CG)
- Melanie Smrchek, CLSp(CG)
- Lab Tech I
- Sarah Carapellucci, BS
- Elliott Montgomery, AS
- Charlotte Wilks, BS
- Akanksha Khare, MS
- Student Aides
- Courtney Meddaugh
- Nicole Brantley