FISH 'n' Tips: Hybridization

View our collection of FISH 'n' Tips for the hybridization stage of the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocol. Tips include how to prevent your chromosomes appearing distorted, how to maintain optimal results from hybridization units, and advice if you are using an incubator for hybridization.

Daniela Johnanes, FISH Field Application Support, Europe

Test ramp up and ramp down temperature times periodically as part of equipment QC on automated hybridization units, to ensure they are within manufacturer specifications.

Steve Chatters, Acting Head, Regulatory and Medical Afairs

Maintaining humidity strips on automated hybridization units according to manufacturer recommendations can help ensure optimal results from these units.

Jennifer Golding, Global Product Manager - FISH

Automated hybridization units may fail to provide sufficient humidity, leading to poor hybridization. Try using humidified chambers, which can attain consistently-higher humidity levels.

Gothami Fonseka, FISH Field Application Support, Europe

If your chromosomes appear distorted this may be because the coverslip was not sealed. By sealing the coverslips prior to hybridization, this improves the overall chromosome morphology.

Faidra Partheniou, Medical Affairs Manager

If you are using an incubator for hybridization utilise a darkened, humidified chamber which has been pre-moistened (wet tissue) and pre-warmed.