Prenatal diagnosis using array CGH.

Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) is a fast and high-resolution approach to the diagnosis of a large number of genetic syndromes associated with loss or gain of the human genome. This technology has proven to be useful in several clinical settings, including postnatal diagnosis of mental retardation, developmental delay, and congenital malformation syndromes. We describe the use of array CGH for prenatal diagnosis of a range of chromosomal syndromes associated with congenital malformations visible by ultrasound. The procedure is reproducible in a clinical setting and provides reliable results in a short period (approximately 5 days). Thus, depending on the array used, array CGH may develop into an excellent tool for prenatal diagnosis.