Better2Know Genetic & DNA

Karyotype

Examines the number and structure of your chromosomes from a blood sample. Commonly used alongside fertility investigations, recurrent miscarriage or suspected chromosomal conditions.

Sample
Blood
Collection
Venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Results in
20 days
Biomarkers
1
Tests for
  • Karyotype

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
blood
Collection method
venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Turnaround time
20 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.

  • Karyotype

About this test

A karyotype test looks at the number, size and structure of your chromosomes, which carry your genetic information. The laboratory cultures cells from your blood sample, stains and photographs the chromosomes, and examines them under a microscope for abnormalities. It is commonly used alongside investigations into fertility problems, recurrent pregnancy loss, or suspected chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome.

We do not have other karyotype tests in our data to compare this one against directly, so the value for money score is a neutral placeholder rather than a verdict on whether £495 is good value. What does stand out within Better2Know's own range is the turnaround: at around 20 days, it is far slower than most of the blood tests it offers, reflecting the more involved laboratory culture and analysis process.

It scores relatively low for clinical depth in our comparison, since it reports a single combined karyotype result rather than multiple discrete markers, though that single result covers your full chromosome profile. It also scores low for collection convenience, largely because of the long wait for results, and for results and follow-up, since the test is not doctor-reviewed as standard despite covering a clinically significant area.

Who is it for?

This suits people who have been advised, or want, to look into a possible chromosomal cause behind fertility difficulties, recurrent miscarriage, or unexplained developmental differences, and who are prepared to wait around 20 days for a result. Because we do not have comparable karyotype tests from other providers in our data, it is worth asking your GP whether a referral route is available to you before paying privately, and discussing your particular situation with them regardless of which route you choose.

How it works

You provide a venous blood sample at a Better2Know clinic, or a home nurse visit can be arranged instead. The sample is cultured in the laboratory, and the chromosomes are stained, photographed and examined under a microscope for abnormalities in number or structure. Better2Know states this analysis takes around 20 days. Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Provides a full chromosome profile from a single blood sample.
  • A home nurse visit is offered as an alternative to attending a clinic in person.
  • Better2Know publishes what the test looks for and how the laboratory process works.

Cons

  • Turnaround is around 20 days, far longer than most other Better2Know blood tests.
  • Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard, despite covering a clinically significant area.
  • No comparable karyotype test from another provider in our data to check whether £495 is good value.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Chromosome analysis with a 20-day turnaround
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

This test analyses your chromosomes from a blood sample to check for missing, extra or structurally altered chromosomes, and is commonly requested as part of fertility or recurrent miscarriage investigations. At £495 we do not have comparable karyotype tests from other providers in our data to benchmark it against. The main things to weigh up are a turnaround of around 20 days and no doctor review of the result as standard.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 4.7/10

    1 biomarkers, placing it in the 3rd percentile of genetic dna tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 4.0/10

    Requires a venous draw at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 20 days, slower than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 3.0/10

    Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 6.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.

  • Value for money 6.0/10

    £495.00; no comparable tests to benchmark against yet.

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

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