Information Postnatal Chromosome Analysis Postnatal chromosome analysis is performed on peripheral blood, skin biopsy, or other specimens from individuals suspected of having a chromosome abnormality. Tissues from miscarried or stillborn babies can be tested for chromosome abnormalities, which are a significant cause of pregnancy loss.
Chromosomes are units of genetic information.
Every cell should have 46 chromosomes, arranged into 23 pairs. The most common chromosome abnormality is an extra 21 chromosome resulting in Down syndrome. Chromosome abnormalities are caused at conception when an abnormal sperm or egg from one parent fuses with a normal sperm or egg from the other parent. The abnormal sperm or egg contains extra or missing chromosomal material. These abnormal sperm or eggs are present in everyone, but the risk of an abnormal conception does increase significantly with the parents' ages.