Fluorescence in situ hybridization.

ABSTRACT

This chapter presents past and present FISH techniques and specific applications of FISH. Although array technology has revolutionized cytogenetics, FISH remains indispensible. While array technology provides a high resolution screen of the entire genome for gains and losses, it does not allow for visualization of the genomic structure of gains. Thus, FISH continues to be useful as an adjunct to arrays. FISH also continues to be widely used in conjunction with banded chromosome analysis, and as a stand-alone technique for the detection of genomic alterations in neoplastic disorders.