Karyotyping – Hematological Malignancy Test in Kathmandu

About this test

Karyotyping examines the full set of 46 chromosomes inside dividing cells from bone marrow or blood, looking specifically for the gains, losses, and rearrangements that drive blood cancers. Living cells are cultured for a few days, arrested mid-division, stained to reveal their characteristic banding pattern, and then photographed and arranged into pairs so a cytogeneticist can spot structural and numerical abnormalities. In leukaemias, lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders, particular chromosome changes are not just incidental findings — they confirm the diagnosis, place the disease into a precise subtype, predict how aggressively it may behave, and guide the choice of treatment. The classic example is the Philadelphia chromosome, a swap between chromosomes 9 and 22 that defines chronic myeloid leukaemia and tells your doctor that targeted tablet therapy is likely to work well. Other recurring patterns, such as deletions of chromosome 5 or 7, extra copies, or translocations involving chromosome 8 or 11, each carry their own meaning for prognosis and follow-up. A haematologist orders this when blood counts, the peripheral smear, or a marrow examination raise concern about a malignant or pre-malignant marrow disorder — often prompted by persistent unexplained anaemia, abnormal white-cell or platelet counts, recurrent infections, easy bruising, bone pain, or an enlarged spleen. Results are always interpreted together with the morphology, flow cytometry, and molecular tests, and a baseline karyotype before treatment gives a reference point for monitoring response later. A normal result is reassuring but does not by itself exclude disease, since some abnormalities are too small to see down the microscope and need complementary molecular testing.

Sample type

Bone marrow aspirate (sodium heparin) or whole blood (sodium heparin)

Preparation

No fasting required. This test is usually arranged alongside a bone-marrow procedure, so follow your haematologist's instructions for that. The sample must reach the laboratory quickly because living, dividing cells are needed — tell us in advance so we can process it the same day. Bring any previous blood-count, biopsy, or treatment records.

Turnaround time

Reports for Karyotyping – Hematological Malignancy are typically ready within: 14 Days. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other pathology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Karyotyping – Hematological Malignancy or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.