ABOUT US

The Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) began in 1990 as the Medical Genetics Unit of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine which in 1999 became as one of the service and research oriented institutes of the National Institutes of Health-University of the Philippines Manila (NIH-UP). Since then all services of the Medical Genetics Unit were transferred to the Institute and is now the largest provider of genetic services in the country.

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Cytogenetics Laboratory

 

The IHG Cytogenetics Laboratory is recognized as one of the country’s leading providers of cytogenetic tests and analyses. Our lab is one of only a few in the Philippines that offers comprehensive cytogenetic services. It is a research and diagnostic laboratory specializing in the analysis of human chromosomes using a variety of techniques.

 

MEET THE CYTOGENETICS TEAM

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 Cytogenetics is the branch of genetics concerned with the study of chromosomes. Chromosome studies are done on dividing nucleated cells and are analyzed microscopically to identify numerical and structural abnormalities. It is still the method of choice for many types of indications for genetic testing, such as cancer diagnosis and prognosis, history of spontaneous abortions, newborn dysmorphology, prenatal diagnosis, and endocrinology disorders.

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The laboratory is also known for its expertise in the use of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. FISH involves the use of DNA probes that are labeled with fluorescent dyes which are then hybridized to the target sequence within the chromosome. The fluorescence is then detected using a microscope which allows for the detection of even small amounts of genetic material such as in focal chromosome rearrangements or microdeletions. FISH analysis can be used as a diagnostic tool for a variety of indications such as cancer diagnosis, sex chromosome disorders, detection of aneuploidies, and detection of microdeletion syndromes.

 

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If a patient is suspected to have a chromosomal abnormality, the Cytogenetics Unit offers the following services:

1.    Constitutional Diagnostic Services
    a.    Peripheral Blood - Routine and High-Resolution Analysis
    b.    Newborn Blood Chromosome Analysis
    c.    Family Studies
    d.    Mosaicism Analysis
    e.    Solid Tissues - Products of Conception, Skin Biopsies
    f.    Fragile X Screening
    g.    C-banding
    h.    AgNOR

2.    Neoplastic Diagnostic Services
    a.    Bone Marrow Aspirate/Leukemic Blood
    b.    Solid Tumors/Lymph Nodes

3.    Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
    a.    Microdeletion probes for:
            -    DiGeorge/Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome
            -    Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome
            -    Williams-Beuren syndrome
    b.    Translocation probes for BCR/ABL

 

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For further inquiries, contact the Cytogenetics laboratory-NIH
at telephone numbers: (02) 5310-1780 / 5310-0788 local 107,
Hotline: 0928-5060963 Email: cytogenetics-ihg@upm.edu.ph

Mailing Address
Cytogenetics Laboratory
Institute of Human Genetics
National Institutes of Health Building
University of the Philippines Manila
Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila 1000