Fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH)

FISH is a technique where coloured probes (or markers) are attached to parts of chromosomes. These probes can be seen as coloured spots or regions on cells or chromosomes. We use this technique to further characterise and define chromosome abnormalities, or chromosome deletions involved in specific syndromes.

FISH image of cells with probes that attach to chromosomes 18, X and Y. Note there are 2 copies of chromosome 18, and 1 copy each of chromosome X and chromosome Y.

FISH image of chromosomes with a probe that 'paints' chromosome 10 material. Note the extra material on chromosome 2, which is abnormal.

FISH image of chromosomes with a set of probes that attach to the ends of chromosomes, or subtelomeres.