Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH)

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a technique that uses fluorescent probes that bind only to parts of a chromosome with a high degree of sequence complementarity. Fluorescently labeled DNA probes specific to chromosomal regions of interest are used to detect DNA changes on a chromosome. FISH is used to identify submicroscopic numerical abnormalities of chromosomes as well as deletions, duplications, translocations and inversions of certain disease-specific regions beyond the capabilities of classic cytogenetic testing.

FISH testing also allows for the analysis of both metaphase chromosomes in cultured samples, as well as interphase cells in samples where culturing is not possible. In hematopoietic neoplasms, FISH provides rapid detection for aid in diagnosis, prognosis and choice of treatment options.

CorePath’s STAT testing is available for critical cases with 4 to 6 hour PML/RARA FISH results.