Service Details

Creative Biolabs provides a full spectrum of karyotyping approaches for iPSCs, from classical cytogenetics to next-generation sequencing. Each method has unique strengths, and we help clients select the best combination according to research goals, and budget.

In addition, we are dedicated to providing several viable and cost-effective characterization methods for iPSC pluripotency.

Service Details
Classical G-banding Karyotyping
  • Principle: Chromosomes are stained with Giemsa dye to reveal characteristic banding patterns.
  • Resolution: ~5–10 Mb (megabases).
  • Applications: Detects aneuploidy, large translocations, inversions, duplications, deletions.
  • Advantages: Cost-effective, widely accepted.
FISH
  • Principle: Uses fluorescent DNA probes to hybridize to specific chromosomal regions.
  • Resolution: 50–200 kb, depending on probe design.
  • Applications: Detection of recurrent abnormalities; confirmation of suspected structural changes.
  • Advantages: High sensitivity, locus-specific precision, works even in interphase nuclei.
SNP Array & CGH Array
  • Principle: Genome-wide hybridization against reference DNA to detect copy number variations (CNVs).
  • Resolution: Down to tens of kilobases.
  • Applications: Identifies subtle genomic imbalances not visible in G-banding, including microdeletions/duplications.
  • Advantages: Broad coverage, relatively high throughput, cost-effective compared with NGS.
NGS-Based Karyotyping
  • Principle: Uses whole-genome sequencing and advanced bioinformatics to identify structural and numerical chromosome variations.
  • Resolution: Base-pair level; highest among all methods.
  • Applications: Detects cryptic rearrangements, low-level mosaicism, complex genomic events.
  • Advantages: Comprehensive, unbiased, capable of resolving abnormalities undetectable by other methods.
Deliverables and Reporting
  • High-quality metaphase spread images (for G-banding/FISH).
  • ISCN-formatted karyotype descriptions.
  • Genome-wide CNV plots (for array/NGS).
  • Detailed summary highlighting detected abnormalities, potential impact, and recommendations.
  • Optional longitudinal comparison reports across passages.

Service Highlights

We combine classic cytogenetic methods with cutting-edge molecular technologies to deliver a multi-layered view of chromosomal integrity.

This tiered approach ensures no aberration is overlooked—from gross chromosomal translocations to subtle microdeletions.

Customization Options

Method Selection

Available options: G-banding / FISH / SNP/CGH Array / NGS / Combined packages

Best for labs seeking either basic QC or deep, regulator-ready analysis

Sample Flexibility

Available options: Low-input iPSCs, early-passage cells, patient-derived iPSCs, large-scale batch submissions

Best for academic labs, biobanks, pharma pipelines

Scalable Packages

Available options: Single-line validation, medium-scale (10–50 lines), large-scale (100+ lines)

Best for individual researchers, biobanks, pharma programs

Global Support & Communication

Our iPSC karyotyping service is designed to support clients across the globe, academic institutions, biobanks, biotech startups, and large pharmaceutical companies, ensuring seamless communication, transparent project management, and secure data delivery.

Sample Submission Guidelines

We aim to make the submission process as simple and stress-free as possible. Creative Biolabs provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you prepare, package, and ship your samples safely.

Accepted Sample Types
  • Live iPSC cultures (actively growing cells)
  • Frozen iPSC vials (cryopreserved under standard conditions)
  • iPSC derivatives (e.g., early-stage differentiated progenitors if karyotyping is required for QC)
  • Feeder-dependent or feeder-free cultures—both can be accommodated
Cell Quantity & Quality Requirements
  • For G-banding: ~2 million cells are typically required to obtain high-quality metaphase spreads
  • For FISH or SNP/CGH Array: Smaller amounts are acceptable
  • For NGS-based workflows: Depending on sequencing depth, we can work with reduced input
  • Viability: For frozen vials, a post-thaw viability of >70% is recommended to ensure reliable results.
Packaging & Shipping Instructions
  • Live cultures: Ship in sealed culture flasks filled with conditioned medium
  • Frozen vials: Ship on dry ice using certified cold-chain couriers
  • Temperature control
  • Documentation

Applications of iPSC Karyotyping Services

Our iPSC karyotyping services are applied across diverse research and development pipelines, ensuring that every project is built on a foundation of genomic stability.

Published Data

In a study, researchers differentiated iPSCs derived from individuals with DS (D-iPSCs) into neurons (D-iNs) and measured their Aβ production. To precisely evaluate the phenotype of iNs, they used D-iPSCs and an isogenic euploid control clone established from the D-iPSCs (E-iPSCs).

Karyotype analysis of the iPSC. (OA Literature)Fig. 1 Karyotype analysis of the iPSC clones.1,3

Researchers have developed a stem cell-specific aCGH microarray containing 135,000 probes, covering the entire genome at an average resolution of 15 kb. They monitored the genomic stability of a late-passage iPSC cell line using G-banding karyotyping and a custom microarray. Karyotyping revealed no abnormalities in the iPSC cell line. High-resolution aCGH analysis revealed nine subkaryotypic variants in the iPSC cell line, ranging in size from 1.5 kb to 595 kb.

Genomic stability profiling of iPSC line by karyotype analysis.(OA Literature)Fig. 2 Genomic stability profiling of a human iPSC line by karyotype analysis and the StemArray.2,4

FAQs

What types of samples can I submit for iPSC karyotyping?

We accept live iPSC cultures, frozen vials, or even early differentiated derivatives. Both feeder-dependent and feeder-free cultures are compatible. Our team will advise the best format based on your project stage and shipping convenience.

What abnormalities are commonly detected in iPSCs?
Recurrent changes include trisomy 12, duplication of chromosome 17q, and amplification of 20q11.21. However, we are equipped to detect a full spectrum of structural and numerical variations, including subtle CNVs and mosaicism.
How long does the service usually take?
Turnaround depends on the method. Expedited service is available for time-sensitive projects.
What happens if my iPSC line shows abnormalities?
Our report clearly highlights the abnormality and its potential impact. We also offer consultation to help you decide whether to exclude, re-clone, bank, or continue using the line, depending on your project goals.
How long does the service usually take?
Turnaround depends on the method. Expedited service is available for time-sensitive projects.
How is pricing structured?
Pricing depends on method selection (G-banding, array, NGS), number of lines, and turnaround time. We provide transparent quotes with scalable options for single labs, biobanks, or pharma pipelines.

What Our Clients Say

"Creative Biolabs saved us months of work. Their karyotyping report flagged chromosomal abnormalities in two of our iPSC clones early on. Instead of wasting time on unstable lines, we were able to focus on the right ones."

— Principal Investigator

"We had very limited amounts of patient-derived iPSCs from a rare disease cohort. Creative Biolabs customized their workflow to accommodate our low-input samples without compromising quality."

— Translational Research Scientist

"Communication was seamless. We had weekly updates, quick responses to our queries, and secure access to interim data."

— Drug Discovery Team

"Creative Biolabs provided karyotyping for over 150 donor-derived iPSC lines, and their detailed reports helped us certify lines before sharing them with collaborators."

— Stem Cell Biobank Director

Get Started with Confidence

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1. Contact Us

via the Inquiry Form or Email

2. Define Your Needs

Cell Type, Function, Quantity, Modifications

3. Kickstart the Project

Our Expert Team Guiding Every Step

With Creative Biolabs' iPSC karyotyping services, you gain not only high-quality cytogenetic data but also a trusted partner to support your stem cell research journey. From fundamental research to iPSC development, our expertise ensures that every cell line you rely on is built on a foundation of genomic stability.

Get in touch for a free consultation or project quote today.

References

  1. Elliott, Aaron M., Kristi A. Hohenstein Elliott, and Anja Kammesheidt. "High‐Resolution Genomic Profiling of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Human Stem Cells Using the 135 K StemArray." Stem Cells International 2012.1 (2012): 431534. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/431534
  2. Toshikawa, Hiromitsu, et al. "N-Acetylcysteine prevents amyloid-β secretion in neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells with trisomy 21." Scientific Reports 11.1 (2021): 17377. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-96697-7
  3. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
  4. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 3.0, without modification.

Created August 2025

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