Cytogentics laboratory

School of Medicine University of Mostar

Organization

Cytogentics laboratory at School of Medicine University of Mostar has been founded as a professional activity, primarily by the need for the diagnostic testing in the field of cytogenetics, which for patients in University Clinical Hospital of Mostar had opportunity only in other hospital centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Cytogentics laboratory began with work with the approval of Federal Ministry of Health for performing cytogenetic diagnostics as health care activity, and for the purpose of University teaching within the framework of the basic internal organizational unit in which activity was performed. As laboratory has a contract with Health Insurance Fund of Herzegovina – Neretva County and Herzeg-Bosnian County, the patients who are insured and who meet all the conditions of health insurance of those Funds are available to do chromosome analysis with no costs. Currently, following cytogenetics tests could be done in the laboratory – Chromosome analysis of peripheral blood – Chromosome analysis of bone narrow

Staff and associates

Professor Violeta Šoljić MD, PhD

Head of Laboratory

Professor Katarina Vukojević MD, PhD

Maja Pivić, MD
Martina Medo, mag. biol. et chem.
Ana Marija Žilić, lab. teh.

Guide for patients

First step for chromosome analysis (karyogram) is taking a blood sample. The process of taking blood sample for this analysis is no different from the process of taking blood for any other laboratory analysis. The vein blood is taken in a standardized test tubes with the anticoagulant heparin (as sodium or lithium heparin). Receipt of blood samples is carried out exclusively on Mondays and Tuesdays 8:00 to 11:30. It is necessary to make an appointment in advance, by the phone or directly in the laboratory (does not apply to hospitalized patients). Patients are obligated to bring a referral from a family doctor, with a recommendation and findings from a specialist in University Clinical Hospital of Mostar, County Hospital “Dr. Safet Mujic”, County Hospital “Dr. fra Mihovil Sučić” Livno or General Hospital Konjic. Appointment can be arranged at: Tel: 036/335 635 036/335 633

CYTOGENTIC

Chromosome abnormalities include abnormalities of structure and number of chromosomes and are the result of errors during cell division. They are very common and occur in 1-2% of livebirths, 5% of stillbirths and approximately 50% of early fetal losses in the first trimester of pregnancy. Chromosome abnormalities are most common in people with mental retardation, multiple congenital anomalies and dysmorphia, and those are the most common indications for cytogentic testing. Also, it is proven that chromosome anomalies have a role in the development of some neoplasms.

Karyotype and karyogram
Chromosomes contain genetic substance of an organism. In human somatic cells there are 46 chromosomes or 23 pairs, 22 homologous pairs are classified as autosomes or somatic cell chromosomes and 1 pair as sex chromosomes or gonosom. Sex chromosomes differ in men and women: XX for women and XY for men. The term karyotype represents chromosomal complement of an individual, and is different than the term karyogram. Karyogram is the way in which we present karyotype or a chromosomal set of a single cell. Basic chromosome analysis (karyogram) is consisted of a series of laboratory techniques. Cells of interest (lymphocytes, fibroblasts) are being cultivated, which is followed by series of cells treatment steps needed to prepare chromosomal spreads which are then stained and observed under the light microscope. The main goal of this analysis is to determine the number of chromosomes and analyze their structure and to classify chromosomes according to internationally accepted classification of chromosomes.

Cytogentics laboratory at School of Medicine University of Mostar

Organization

Cytogentics laboratory began with work with the approval of Federal Ministry of Health for performing cytogenetic diagnostics as health care activity, and for the purpose of University teaching within the framework of the basic internal organizational unit in which activity was performed.

Contact

University of Mostar Faculty of Medicine Bijeli Brijeg b.b. 88000 Mostar Tel: 036/335 633