The human karyotype is the set of chromosomes in each of a person's cells. The normal karyotype would be composed of 46 chromosomes, that is, 23 pairs of chromosomes.
In order to perform a karyotype study, it is necessary to carry out a blood extraction. This blood sample is sent to the laboratory where a lymphocyte culture is performed. In this way, the chromosomes are compacted and can be visualized under the microscope. Previously, the chromosomes are stained in order to distinguish the bands they contain, the shape and size, thus being able to differentiate the different chromosomes.