What is the Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization Technique?
Fluorescent in situ hybridization, also known as fluorescence in situ hybridization, is more commonly referred to as FISH. It is a technique that involves using a short strand of DNA labeled with a fluorescent dye to detect genetic abnormalities. FISH allows investigators to visualize chromosomes, parts of chromosomes, or specific genes quickly and accurately. This is often used to determine the prognosis of and treatment for certain diseases, particularly cancers. FISH is used to determine if chromosomes have abnormalities. This may include chromosomal deletions, rearrangements, or translocations, in which two chromosomes have switched segments. FISH also allows investigators to visualize specific genes. It can determine if a certain gene is present, where it is located on the chromosomes, and if multiple copies are present. This is called gene mapping.
