EVALUATION OF THE PERIPHERAL BLOOD SMEAR TEST IN THE DETECTON OF CHROMOSOMAL SEX IN THE HUMAN

Abstract

The accuracy of the Davidson and Smith method for determination of chromosomal sex from the morphologic characteristics of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was confirmed in 200 normal patients tested as "unknowns." These also included newborns, pregnant and aged individuals. In 15 cases of so-called ovarian agenesis (Turner''s syndrome) 11 were chromosomal males, a percentage comparable to that reported by the skin biopsy technique for chromosomal sex determination. In female pseudo-hermaphrodites associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia female type smears were regularly found. In masculinized females with adrenal or ovarian tumors, or Cushing''s Syndrome, smears were likewise always of the female type.