Clinical Cytogenetics

Clinical cytogenetics is the branch of medicine that studies the structure and number of chromosomes in human cells to diagnose genetic conditions. Chromosomes are DNA packages that carry our genetic information. By examining them through techniques like karyotyping, clinicians can identify abnormalities such as extra, missing, or rearranged chromosomes, which can cause developmental issues, birth defects, or diseases like cancer. This field helps in diagnosing, predicting outcomes, and guiding treatment for various genetic and acquired conditions, providing essential insights into an individual’s genetic health.