FLUORESCENCE IN SITU HYBRIDISATION (FISH)

Background

FISH is a technique in which a fluorescently labelled DNA probe is hybridised to target DNA on a microscope slide.  Target tissue includes: chromosomes, interphase cells, paraffin embedded sections and blood/bone marrow smears.

FISH Testing at WRGL

WRGL has an experienced team of scientists who are all proficient in FISH testing.

We are continuously updating and improving our range of FISH tests as new probes become available or as diagnosis becomes prognostically relevant.  Multiplex FISH (M-FISH) capable of identifying all chromosomes simultaneously is also available for selected cases as required.

For the specific range of FISH tests available, please click here.

Cost, Sample Requirements & Turnaround Times

Test	Cost NZD*	Sample Requirements	Current TAT
Prenatal FISH testing	$533 per test	Rapid aneuploidy screening is generally done by QF-PCR. When this is not possible, FISH testing may be performed as an adjunct to karytotyping. A wide range of FISH probes are available for use in pregnancies with suspected micro-deletion/microduplication syndromes. FISH is generally performed on fixed cell preparations. Therefore, if conventional cytogenetics is being performed, in most cases there will be no additional specimen requirements. Please refer to  prenatal tests for specific sample requirements.	3 days
Postnatal FISH testing	$533 per test	FISH is generally performed on fixed cell preparations. Therefore, if conventional cytogenetics is being performed, in most cases there will be no additional specimen requirements. If conventional cytogenetics is not to be performed, please send 2-5 ml of blood in a lithium heparin (LH) tube (green top).	4 days
Oncology FISH testing	$533 per test	Haematological neoplasms: FISH is generally performed on fixed cell preparations. Therefore, if conventional cytogenetics is being performed, in most cases there will be no additional specimen requirements. If conventional cytogenetics is not to be performed, please send 2-5 ml of blood / bone marrow in a LH tube. Paraffin Embedded Tissues (PETs): 2-4 µm sections are required for FISH analysis. A H&E slide should accompany the sections with the region of interest indicated. Download Paraffin Section FISH Referral Form	3 days

* No direct charge for the Central Region DHBs covered by the Crown Funding Agreement