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Karyotype Test | Chromosome Analysis Blood Test

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Understanding the Karyotype Test A karyotype test, also called chromosome analysis, looks at the full set of chromosomes in your cells to check for changes that can affect fertility. It is offered to healthy people who... Read more

Understanding the Karyotype Test

A karyotype test, also called chromosome analysis, looks at the full set of chromosomes in your cells to check for changes that can affect fertility. It is offered to healthy people who are having difficulty achieving a viable pregnancy, and is usually taken by both partners.

Humans have 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes, making 46 in total. A typical result is reported as 46,XX or 46,XY. The analysis checks whether whole chromosomes or pieces of chromosomes are missing or duplicated, and whether pieces have been swapped between chromosomes, inverted or moved around. These are known as rearrangements. People who carry a rearrangement are usually healthy and have no other symptoms, but it can affect fertility, and that is the part of the test that matters in a reproductive health context.

Who this test is for

  • Repeated miscarriages, or a family history of repeated miscarriages, from two or more
  • Two or more previous recurrent aneuploid pregnancies, such as trisomy 21
  • IVF with two or more implantation failures

There are no age, residency or other eligibility limits on this test.

How the sample is taken

A simple blood draw of 4ml into lithium heparin tubes, taken by a professional in one of our clinics or by a nurse at your home. No fasting or other preparation is needed, though it helps to stay hydrated. Your sample is refrigerated and sent to the laboratory the same day.

Your results

Results take 12 to 14 working days. Analysis is carried out by clinical scientists at Eurofins Clinical Genetics UK in a laboratory accredited to ISO 15189, following ISCN 2024 nomenclature at a banding resolution of 400 to 550 bands, with a minimum of 20 cells analysed. If a result is outside the expected range, a clinical scientist at Eurofins Clinical Genetics UK will contact you and arrange a 15 to 30 minute video consultation to talk through what it means. Your partner or a family member is welcome to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both partners need to be tested?

The test is normally taken by both partners, as a rearrangement in either partner can affect the chance of a viable pregnancy. Each person needs their own blood sample.

Do I need to fast or prepare in any way?

No. There are no fasting, timing or preparation requirements. Staying hydrated makes the blood draw easier.

How long do results take?

12 to 14 working days from the laboratory receiving your sample.

What happens if my sample cannot be analysed?

Around one in ten samples cannot be analysed and needs to be repeated. If that happens, the repeat test is carried out free of charge.

What does a normal result look like?

A typical result is reported as 46,XX or 46,XY, meaning no chromosomal changes were seen in the cells analysed.

Can my results be shared with my GP or fertility specialist?

Yes. Results can be shared with your GP or consultant fertility specialist on request, and we would encourage you to do so if anything unexpected is found.

Is a consultation included?

If your result is outside the expected range, a 15 to 30 minute video consultation with Eurofins Clinical Genetics UK is arranged to explain the findings and what they mean for you.

What are the limits of this test?

Chromosome analysis does not detect every genetic change. It cannot reliably identify changes present in only some cells, very small or subtle structural changes, or differences between tissues. Results should be interpreted alongside your medical history by a clinician.

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A clinician explaining karyotype test results during a video consultation

Included in the price

A consultation with a genetics specialist

  • 15–30 minutes
  • Video call on Teams
  • Partner welcome
  • No extra cost

A karyotype result is a line of notation and an image of your chromosomes — not something anyone should be left to interpret alone. Your consultation is a video call with a clinical scientist at Eurofins Clinical Genetics UK, the laboratory that carried out your analysis, arranged directly with you.

  • What your result means, explained in plain terms
  • How it relates to your own history and what you’ve been through
  • What sensible next steps look like, including referral where that’s appropriate
  • Your questions, answered by the people who did the analysis

Your partner or a family member is welcome to join the call. You’re also free to share your report with your GP or consultant fertility specialist, and we’d encourage it.

Consultations are arranged by Eurofins Clinical Genetics UK and conducted by their clinical scientists.

How this test works

Book online...

Book a clinic appointment or a home nurse visit. Both partners are normally tested, so each person needs their own appointment.

Give your sample.

A simple 4ml blood draw. Your sample is refrigerated and sent to the laboratory the same day, where the chromosomes are cultured, stained and examined under a microscope.

Get results.

Your report is emailed to you in 12 to 14 working days. If anything outside the expected range is found, a consultation is arranged to talk it through.

Available testing locations for Karyotype Test | Chromosome Analysis Blood Test

Aberdeen Clinic GCI Advanced Aesthetics Abergavenny Clinic Amatsu Centre Airdrie Clinic Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy Aldershot Clinic Wellington Pharmacy Alton Clinic Four Marks Pharmacy Andover Clinic Dr Malaika Clinics Anniesland Clinic Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy Arlesey Clinic Waterloo Farm Wellness Armadale Clinic Dears Pharmacy Ascot Clinic Ascot Pharmacy AshbyDeLaZouch Clinic Aeternum Aesthetics Ashford Clinic Breakspear Pharmacy Aveley Clinic Doctor B Aesthetics Aylesbury Clinic Aura Body Clinic Aylesbury Clinic Pearlfect Care Pharmacy Aylsham Clinic North Norfolk Ear & Skin Care Ballingry Clinic Barnet Clinic Co Wellbeing Find More
More Information

What is a karyotype test?

A karyotype test is a chromosome analysis carried out on a blood sample. The laboratory cultures living cells from your blood, fixes the chromosomes onto a slide, stains them and examines them under a microscope. At least 20 cells are analysed, and the banding pattern of each chromosome is compared against the expected pattern.

Why it is used in fertility care

Some people carry a rearrangement in their chromosomes, where a piece has been swapped with another chromosome, inverted or moved, without any genetic material being lost or gained. They are usually healthy and have no symptoms, but the rearrangement can make it harder to achieve a viable pregnancy. Chromosome analysis is how these rearrangements are identified.

Who should consider it

It is offered to healthy people who have had two or more miscarriages or a family history of repeated miscarriage, two or more recurrent aneuploid pregnancies such as trisomy 21, or two or more failed IVF implantations. It is particularly relevant for women under 35. The test is normally taken by both partners.

How the test works

Your blood is taken by a professional in one of our clinics or by a nurse at your home. It is a simple 4ml draw into lithium heparin tubes, ideally two tubes per person. No fasting or preparation is needed, though it helps to stay hydrated. Your sample is refrigerated and posted to the laboratory on the same day, and stays viable for up to five days. Analysis follows ISCN 2024 nomenclature at a banding resolution of 400 to 550 bands.

Your results

Results are ready 12 to 14 working days after the laboratory receives your sample and are sent to you by email. A typical result is reported as 46,XX or 46,XY. If anything outside the expected range is found, a clinical scientist at Eurofins Clinical Genetics UK will contact you and arrange a 15 to 30 minute video consultation to explain what it means. Your partner or a family member is welcome to join. We would encourage you to share any such result with your GP or consultant fertility specialist.

Important to note

  • The test is normally taken by both partners. Each person needs their own blood sample.
  • No fasting, timing or other preparation is required. Staying hydrated makes the blood draw easier.
  • There are no exclusions, and no age or residency limits.
  • Around one in ten samples cannot be analysed and needs to be repeated. Repeat testing is free of charge.
  • Samples stay viable for a maximum of five days, so your blood is posted to the laboratory on the day it is taken.
  • Results within the expected range are issued by Goodbody Clinic. Results outside the expected range are issued and explained by Eurofins Clinical Genetics UK.
  • Your report is retained for a minimum of 30 years in line with RCPath guidelines. Samples and slides are discarded once the report has been issued.

What this test cannot tell you

Chromosome analysis looks at the number and structure of chromosomes in the cells analysed. It does not detect changes present in only a proportion of cells, very small or subtle structural changes, or differences between tissues. It does not test for single gene conditions, and it cannot tell you whether you will conceive. A result should always be interpreted alongside your medical history by a clinician.

Your results

How your results reach you

Your report is emailed to you as a PDF from the laboratory. It gives your result in standard international notation, an interpretation in plain terms, and an image of your own chromosomes.

Your inbox

Goodbody Clinic

Your karyotype test result is ready

Karyotype_report.pdf
Page one of an example karyotype test report showing the ISCN result 46,XY, chromosomal sex, interpretation and methodology Page 1 — your result Page two of an example karyotype test report showing the karyogram: all 23 chromosome pairs arranged and numbered Page 2 — your chromosomes

Example report shown with sample data, provided by the laboratory. A typical result reads 46,XX or 46,XY. Tap either page to view it full size.

12–14 working days

From the day your blood is taken to your report landing in your inbox.

By email

Sent as a PDF you can keep, print, or forward to your GP or fertility specialist.

1 in 10 repeated free

Around one in ten samples can’t be analysed and needs taking again. If that’s yours, the repeat is free of charge.

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How our blood tests work

Have your blood taken in-clinic by one of our skilled phlebotomists, or book a nurse to visit you at home. Your sample is then analysed by clinical scientists at an accredited laboratory.

Home tests
Clinic tests

Testing

Have your blood taken at one of our clinics nationwide, or by a nurse who visits you at home.

Analysis

Your sample is analysed at a laboratory accredited to ISO 15189 by qualified clinical scientists.

Results

Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory.

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Excellent service

I was seen immediately on arrival and taken straight in for my procedure. The premises were clean and well maintained, and the staff were polite, professional, and very efficient.

Sophie

Someone from Goodbody called me to put my mind ease

I recently had a full blood count taken by a very friendly nurse at Superdrug. She completed all my paperwork for me and was incredibly kind. I received my results the next day. Because of my anxiety and having never seen a lab report before, I emailed for some clarification, and to my surprise, someone from Goodbody called me to put my mind at ease. I’m very grateful for the excellent service and will definitely be using them again.

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The nurse was incredibly helpful and understanding of my fear of needles, providing constant reassurance and guiding me through the entire process to help take my mind off what was happening.

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The team was friendly and professional, making the experience completely painless. The clinic was easy to find, with convenient parking available nearby.

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Robert

Top notch experience

As someone who regularly needs blood tests due to diabetes, I can honestly say this was the first time I experienced absolutely no pain at all with the needle—truly none! There was also no bruising afterward. It was a really top-notch job and made for an excellent overall experience (something I’ve never said about a blood test before!).

Ashley. P

Friendly and relaxing atmosphere

I found the staff to be friendly, approachable, and highly professional. They explained everything clearly as they carried out the blood draw. The clinic was clean and thoughtfully set up to help patients feel at ease.

Lorra. L

Polite and efficient approach

I was impressed by the company’s focus on clear communication and professionalism. The procedure was quick, well-organised, and ran smoothly with no unnecessary waiting or confusion. I especially appreciated their gentle approach and how they put me at ease, which was reassuring since it was my first blood draw at the clinic.

Simon. S

Amazing service including nurse coming

Outstanding service, including a nurse visiting my home for blood work. Full body scans through Well Man and Well Woman were arranged within three days, including additional scans and tests which i had requested. All organised within two days and delivered directly to my home. Truly convenient and efficient service!

Andrew. B

Made a dreaded blood test so much easier

I had been feeling unwell for three years and had numerous blood tests through my doctor with no clear answers. I decided to try Goodbody Clinic and ordered an at-home menopause test. The results revealed that I have a low thyroid TSH level, and I am so relieved that this issue was finally identified.

Charlie. T

Truly fantastic local service!

From start to finish, the service was exceptional. Booking the appointment was straightforward, and the entire experience was well-organized and impressively quick.

Dmitry. R

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is right for you?

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Experts you can trust

Meet our Goodbody Experts

Our team of professionals has decades of experience so you can be sure you’re getting the best tests and support to understand and improve your health.

Get in touch with Our Team

Dr Lebeth Jacob

BSc (Hons) MBChB
Registered GP & Lead Medical Advisor

Dr Alexandre Akoulitchev

MA, PhD, FRSM
Clinical Support Advisor

Dr Cheng Boon

MBCHB, MRCP, FRCR
Consultant Oncologist

FAQs

ABOUT THIS TEST

Do both partners need to take this test?

How long do the results take?

Do I need to prepare or fast beforehand?

What happens if my sample cannot be analysed?

What happens if something unexpected is found?

Which test should I choose?

How does the service work?

When will my order arrive?

How accurate are your tests?

I've just paid, can I change my order?

Can I order a test for someone else?

Why do I need a kit for my appointment?

How often should I take my test?

ARRANGING AN APPOINTMENT

How do I book an appointment?

How is the test carried out?

Do I need to fast before my test?

I am nervous about my blood test appointment.

Do I need to take my kit to my appointment?

AFTER YOUR TEST

My blood was haemolysed - what does that mean?

Do you provide results 7 days a week?

How do I book a follow up GP consultation?

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