The FDA recently approved marketing for a new post-natal blood test that will screen for a number of chromosomal abnormalities that are related to intellectual disabilities and developmental delays. The test, called CytoScan Dx Assay and developed by Affymetrix, can detect changes in a child’s genes from conditions such as Down syndrome. The test intended to provide information about the causes of disabilities and delays.

In its review of the test, the FDA found that the Cytoscan Dx performed better at detecting certain chromosomal abnormalities than the most commonly used tests, such karyotyping and the FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) test.

The test will be available for use in the first few months of 2014. This test sounds promising for getting to the bottom of the causes of some cases of intellectual disabilities, but regardless of cause, our work lies in providing the best care and services to children with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. For more information from the FDA, see http://1.usa.gov/1hFr7IL.