Quest Diagnostics Introduces Test to Identify Chromosome Abnormalities

A molecular diagnostic test that detects chromosome abnormalities associated with 85 developmental disorders affecting children now is commercially available, Quest Diagnostics announced.

The company developed the ClariSure microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization test to enable physicians to use results obtained from a single blood test to diagnose patients with mental retardation and dozens of other disorders, including Down, cri du chat, DiGeorge and Williams syndromes.

The test is a laboratory-developed assay that uses proprietary technologies from Nichols Institute as well as licensed methodologies. A positive result may be confirmed using a licensed fluorescence in situ hybridization methodology. The company said it expects to provide test results from its ClariSure assay to physicians within five days of receiving a specimen at a Quest Diagnostics laboratory.