A FISH test is the abbreviation of the Fluorescence in situ hybridization test which is a testing technique used to identify particular DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequences in cells, tissues and also in tumors that may be cancerous. The testing process is an extremely complex sequence of procedures and is conducted on a tissue sample that is collected from the area that is under investigation. The fluorescence part of the test involves a fluorescent dye that is used on a probe substance. This probe is inserted into the sample where it is supposed to interact with the particular DNA material that is being tested. The process of hybridization occurs when the probe interacts with the target DNA chromosome to produce a hybrid result, which is a different kind of cell.
The study of some types of cancer is performed using the FIST technique. Cancers such as leukemia can be analyzed using such a procedure. There are many types of leukemia and this test may be used to check the exact type of leukemia affecting a patient. It may also be used for other types of cancer including bladder cancer where the biopsy sample is used for testing to confirm the exact nature of the cancer. Many cancers, particularly of the similar type appear to be similar under microscopic observation. However, they defer in their makeup and the FISH test is useful to identify which exact cancer has occurred.
The process of hybridization occurs using a clone gene that is similar to the type of gene that is being searched for. The clone gene is colored with a fluorescent agent and then allowed to interact with the gene through the process of incubation on the slide that is being tested. The tester will then use a fluorescent microscope which is able to see the cells that have been colored with the dye and identify which cells they have joined with. The light used is of the exact frequency that will make the coloring agent visible. The coloring agent changes the frequency of light due to its color properties which makes it clearly visible when viewed through the microscope.
The fluorescence in situ hybridization technique can therefore be used for an advanced study of the sample to generate a result that is far more detailed than the initial cancer diagnosis. The accuracy with which gene mapping can occur is the significant advantage of this test
Submitted by M T on May 10, 2010 at 03:36