Biopsy specimen identification by detection of sex chromosomes: application of in situ hybridisation

J Clin Pathol. 1992 Feb;45(2):149-50. doi: 10.1136/jcp.45.2.149.

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the feasibility of non-radioactive in situ hybridisation (ISH) for the identification of sex-mismatched plastic embedded bone marrow biopsy specimens.

Methods: After a suspected accidental transposition of two glycol-methacrylate embedded bone marrow specimens, in situ hybridisation with sex chromosome specific probes was performed.

Results: Quantitative analysis of the hybridisation signals established unequivocably the origin of the specimens.

Conclusions: ISH is feasible on GMA embedded bone marrow specimens, and can be used for the identification of accidentally transposed specimens provided that they are of sex-matched origin.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow / ultrastructure*
  • Cytological Techniques
  • DNA Probes
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Sex Chromosomes / chemistry*
  • Specimen Handling

Substances

  • DNA Probes