In situ hybridization in hematopathology
Strickler, J.G.; Copenhaver, C.M.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology 93(4 Suppl 1): S44-S48
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9173 PMID: 1690505 Document Number: 365742
In situ hybridization (ISH) is one of the molecular techniques that has applications in diagnostic hematopathology. This procedure allows the detection of DNA or RNA in intact cells from various preparations, including cytology specimens and routinely fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. ISH is therefore analogous to detecting proteins (antigens) in intact cells with immunohistochemistry. The purpose of this article is to review the basic concepts and principles of ISH and to briefly discuss the important technical details of this procedure. Examples of potential applications of ISH in hematopathology are then discussed, including detection of Epstein-Barr virus, Y chromosome, and oncogene activation.