What distinguishes the analysis capacity of CMA from karyotyping?

The analysis capacity of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) is distinguished by its ability to detect smaller genomic alterations, such as small deletions and duplications, that are often not identified through conventional karyotyping. While karyotyping is a useful tool for visualizing chromosomal structure and identifying large chromosomal abnormalities, it typically has a resolution limit that restricts its ability to identify these more subtle changes.

CMA, on the other hand, utilizes higher resolution techniques that can pinpoint variations at a much finer scale, often down to the level of individual genes or even smaller segments of DNA. This capability allows CMA to provide a comprehensive overview of genomic changes, which is particularly important in diagnosing various genetic disorders, where small genomic variations can have significant clinical implications.

Additionally, the ability to detect these subtle changes with CMA makes it a highly sensitive tool in the diagnosis of developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders, among other conditions, enhancing overall diagnostic accuracy compared to karyotyping. In essence, the unique advantage of CMA lies in its enhanced resolution, enabling the detection of a broader range of genetic alterations than traditional karyotyping can offer.