American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

Which cell type is preferred for long-term serial cytogenetic studies?

1. Red blood cells

2. Lymphocytes

3. Fibroblast cells

4. Bone marrow cells

The correct answer is: Fibroblast cells

Fibroblast cells are preferred for long-term serial cytogenetic studies primarily due to their ability to proliferate longer in culture compared to other cell types. They can undergo many population doublings, which allows for extensive analysis over time. This extended life span in culture makes fibroblasts particularly useful for studying structural and numerical chromosomal abnormalities, especially in cases where long-term data is required for genetic assessment or disease monitoring. In contrast, while lymphocytes can be used in cytogenetic studies and are often employed for quick assays, they have a limited lifespan in culture and may not provide sufficient material for extensive long-term studies. Red blood cells do not have a nucleus and, therefore, do not contain genetic material suitable for cytogenetic analysis. Bone marrow cells can be advantageous for studying hematological disorders but typically do not provide the same level of consistency and growth potential as fibroblasts for long-term study designs. Thus, fibroblast cells stand out as the ideal choice for extensive, longitudinal cytogenetic evaluation.