in situ hybridization (ISH)

Indications: - detection of virus DNA or RNA in infected cells Specimen: 1) fixed tissue sections 2) exfoliated cells (smears or cytospin preparations) 3) samples must adhere to glass slides for microscopy Turnaround time: generally 3-7 days Method: - allows direct visualization of specific sequence of DNA or RNA at the cellular level - sensitivity is low* - presence of relatively large amounts of DNA or RNA is necessary for visualization * fluorescence in situ hybridization increases sensitivity

References

Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd ed. Teitz ed., W.B. Saunders, 1995