Cytogenetics Learning Hub
Free guides and worked cases for students, trainees and laboratory professionals learning chromosome analysis, from reading G-bands to writing ISCN.
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In-Depth Guides
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Worked Cases
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Free to Read
Guides
Start here if you are new to chromosome analysis, or keep them open as references while you practice.
How to karyotype
The full workflow from a G-banded metaphase to a written ISCN result, with the mistakes trainees make most often.
Read the guide →G-banding patterns, chromosomes 1 to 22, X and Y
The landmark bands for every chromosome, and how to tell apart the pairs that look alike.
Read the guide →ISCN notation examples
How to read and write karyotypes, with worked numerical, structural, mosaic and cancer examples.
Read the guide →Cytogenetics certification prep
What to study for CG(ASCP), an eight-week plan, and the abnormalities you must know.
Read the guide →Karyotype practice online
Worked sample cases with answers, and how to practice so that your accuracy improves.
Read the guide →Worked Cases
Each case explains the ISCN result, what to look for at the microscope, and the related karyotypes you are likely to meet.
47,XX,+21
Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
Three copies of chromosome 21. The most common autosomal trisomy in live births.
47,XY,+18Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
Three copies of chromosome 18. Telling 18 from 17 is the key skill.
47,XX,+13Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
Three copies of chromosome 13. Sorting the D-group acrocentrics is the key skill.
45,XTurner syndrome
A single X chromosome. Counting carefully and looking for mosaicism are the key skills.
47,XXYKlinefelter syndrome
An extra X chromosome in a male. Telling the X from chromosome 7 is the key skill.
t(9;22)(q34;q11.2)The Philadelphia chromosome
The hallmark translocation of chronic myeloid leukemia, in a bone marrow karyotype.
Where to Start
Pick the path that matches where you are.
New to cytogenetics
- Read How to karyotype
- Learn the landmarks in G-banding patterns
Training in a laboratory
- Work through the sample cases
- Check your notation against the ISCN examples
Preparing for certification
- Follow the eight-week plan in certification prep
- Drill the recurrent cancer translocations, starting with t(9;22)
Teaching a course or program
- Share these guides with your trainees
- Assign cases and track progress with Karyotutor for educators
Put what you read into practice
Karyotutor lets you count, pair and arrange chromosomes from real G-banded metaphase spreads, write the ISCN result, and get every placement scored instantly.
Start Practicing Free Free trial. No card required.