Implementing a Protocol to Optimize Detection of Chromosome Abnormalities in Cases of Miscarriage or Stillbirth at a Midwestern Teaching Hospital.

Context: Results from chromosome testing after spontaneous abortion (SAB) or intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) are useful in patient counseling; however, results can be inconclusive when cell cultures for chromosomes are unable to grow from products of conception. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) can analyze DNA from nonviable fetal tissue.

Objective: To examine whether establishing a genetic testing protocol for karyotype and CMA on SAB and IUFD tissues increases diagnostic yield.