Karyotyping is a highly versatile genetic testing technique practiced to find chromosomal alterations that cost around $100 to $1,800 per sample based on the type of sample.
The karyotyping technique is popularly used to know the status of chromosomes of a patient. It is a kind of genetic testing technique that relies on the technique of cell culture, microscopy and genetic analysis.
Often known as the karyotype test, the karyotyping sees the chromosome to detect something abnormal related to it, for instance, the deletions, duplication, translocations or other alterations.
Also, change in the number of chromosomes can also be encountered. The present genetic testing technique is versalite, accurate and requires high end expertise.
Although not a cost-effective option, karyotyping testing is less costlier than microarray of fluorescence in situ hybridization.
In the present article we will look into the price of karyotyping and karyotype tests in different countries and compare them.
Cost of karyotyping:
With an improvement rate of around 5.3% it is expected that the karyotyping industry will cross $329.66 Million by 2027, as per the data of daily chronicle.
Though the technique is so conventional, traditional and manual, high end instrumentations are needed in the karyotyping which are so costly.
However, in comparison to other genetic testing, the karyotyping test is much cheaper, and their indications are limited too. Still, it is widely used in prenatal genetic testing to evaluate various chromosomal abnormalities.
The average cost of a karyotype test or karyotyping is around $100 to $1800 in the USA and 4000 Rs to 20,000 Rs in India.
Notably the price of the same test in the UK is around 160 pound to 200 pound. Hence we can say the karyotyping rates are cheaper in India in comparison with the USA and UK.
Related read: What is Karyotyping?- Definition, Steps, Process, and Advantages.
Cost of karyotyping is India:
| Karyotyping test name | Cost in Rs |
| Normal PBLC karyotyping | 2500-3000 |
| PBLC high resolution karyotyping (single) | 4000 |
| PBLC high resolution karyotyping (couple) | 7500 |
| Karyotyping from Amniotic fluid | 13000-14000 |
| Karyotyping from Chorionic villi | 15000 |
| Karyotyping from bone marrow | 4500 to 5000 |
| Karyotyping from product of conception | 6000 |
| Chromosomal breakage study | 6000 |
| Fragile X karyotyping | 8000 |
| Chromosomal breakage syndrome | 10,0000 |
Karyotyping cost in UK:
| Karyotyping test name | Cost in Pound |
| Normal PBLC karyotyping | 160 |
| PBLC high resolution karyotyping (single) | 200 |
| PBLC high resolution karyotyping (couple) | 350 |
| Karyotyping from Amniotic fluid | 415 |
| Karyotyping from Chorionic villi | 470 |
| Karyotyping from bone marrow | 190 |
| Karyotyping from product of conception | 160 |
| Chromosomal breakage study | 170-200 |
| Fragile X karyotyping | 200 |
| Chromosomal breakage syndrome | 250 |
Karyotyping cost in USA:
| Karyotyping test name | Cost in USD |
| Normal PBLC karyotyping | 836 |
| PBLC high resolution karyotyping (single) | 900 |
| PBLC high resolution karyotyping (couple) | 1700 |
| Karyotyping from Amniotic fluid | 1000 |
| Karyotyping from Chorionic villi | 1100 |
| Karyotyping from bone marrow | 950 |
| Karyotyping from product of conception | 950 |
| Chromosomal breakage study | 1100 |
| Fragile X karyotyping | 900 |
| Skin biopsy | 946 |
| Solid tumor | 946 |
Factor that affects karyotyping cost:
The karyotyping test cost is decided based on various parameters like the instrumentations used by a lab, the type of sample and the speed of report.
Usually, the report of a karyotyping test can be expected in 6 to 7 day, although if it is needed on demand within two days, laboratories charge extra for that.
Some laboratories use highly sophisticated and automated microscopy systems that can process up to 100 slides in run. These instruments are so costly and hence are costly.
Also, the investigators’ experience also makes the test costlier as a highly experienced person charges high.
Fetal tissues such as amniotic fluid or chorionic villi and solid tumor are hard to collect as well as processed hence their price are higher.
Moreover, the culture media and composition of the culture media also vary from sample type which also influence the cost of the test.
For instance, the amniotic fluid culture media are costlier than the conventional PBLC culture media.
So there are the factors that decide the cost of the karyotyping test.
Other charges in karyotyping:
Note that taxes are excluded from the cost of karyotyping. Also in the case of solid tumors, blood or fetal samples, a sample collector may charge extra to collect a sample for karyotyping.
In addition to this, if further indications are needed or samples would be sent for FISH or microarray that charges are also not included in the karyotyping cost.
Patient has to pay an extra cost for that as per the test cost.
Outcome of the karyotyping or karyotype test:
The outcomes or results of karyotyping are also as complicated as other genetic tests. The results show structural changes or numerical changes in the chromosome of a sample.
Deletion, duplication, translocation or inversion while the numerical anomalies are the disomy, trisomy, monosomy or other aneuploidies.
When does a doctor advise a karyotype test?
The karyotyping test is usually not required during a normal pregnancy or for a normal person. But if a person or pregnant lady has previous history of chromosomal abnormalities, family history of genetic disorders or cancer, maternal age above 35 and indicated by the sonographer have advice for karyotyping tests.
Related article: In which conditions a karyotyping test needed?
How accurate are the results?
The results of karyotyping are not 100% accurate or even not accurate as like the DNA test. Though it can be concludable. Major copy number variations and numerical abnormalities are easy to detect, in case of non-conclusive results, the expert advice to go for a FISH.
What are the sample types for the karyotyping or a karyotype test?
Karyotyping test is done on the various cell types which are actively divided. For performing chromosomal evaluation, cells are harvested at metaphase. We have covered an amazing article on which cell division phase is needed for Karyotyping.
Which cell division phase is used for karyotyping?
Amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, blood, solid tissue, tumor cells and other bodily fluids can be processed for karyotyping.
Conclusion:
The karyotyping testing method is a major part of the entire economy of some countries, though it is gaining popularity. However, as it is tedious to perform and less automated, the karyotyping facilities are not available in all common testing labs.
If you are planning to go for karyotyping in the USA, UK or India make sure you have to pay $100 to $1800, 160 to 200 pound and 4000Rs to 20,000Rs, respectively.