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Medical glossary

Karyotype

A karyotype is a picture of all a cell's chromosomes arranged by size. In leukaemia it is done to look for changes in their number and structure.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The chromosomes of one dividing human cell spread out under the microscope
Figure 1.Chromosomes of a dividing cell, used for a karyotype

01Short answer

Bone marrow cells are made to divide in the laboratory, then the chromosomes are stained and counted under a microscope. It can reveal translocations, deletions, extra or missing chromosomes and a complex karyotype. These results help define the risk group and the treatment plan. The result usually takes 1 to 3 weeks and is written in special shorthand (for example t(9;22)).

02Simple explanation

All the chromosomes.

Arranged by size.

Changes become visible.

For the risk group.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: karyotyping checks the number and structure of chromosomes in a cell.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Notation

For example, 46,XX is a normal female karyotype.

A dividing cell
Figure 2.A dividing cell — Karyotype

Complex karyotype

Several changes; your doctor will explain.

A changed segment
Figure 3.A changed segment — Karyotype

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
NotationFor example, 46,XX is a normal female karyotype.
Complex karyotypeSeveral changes; your doctor will explain.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Cytogenetics
The study of chromosomes.
Normal karyotype
No visible changes.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Is a normal karyotype good?

It is only one part; other tests are considered too.

How do I understand the shorthand?

Ask your doctor for a simple explanation.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is a normal karyotype good?

  2. How do I understand the shorthand?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: karyotyping
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytogenetics
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chromosome
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: induction therapy
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: consolidation therapy
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: febrile neutropenia
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: platelet
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: transfusion
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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