Centromere index derivation by a novel and convenient approach.

A previous study has shown the utility of a graphics arts tool in deriving chromosome measurements for relative length determination. It is our hypothesis that the same approach also can be used accurately for centromere index determination. Results based on a study of 50 cells and comparisons with values cited in An International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) are consistent with this hypothesis. Chromosome morphometry is an important adjunct to conventional cytogenetics in suboptimal banded preparations and/or inadequate specimens such as samples from cancer patients.