FISH or Conventional Karotype in Heme Path?

An introduction and debate regarding the pros and cons of two cytogenetic methodologies: conventional karotype versus fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in heme path in part two of the Heme Path Series.

Conventional karotype can provide important information regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis particularly for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute leukemia, but it can only be used on actively dividing cells and not peripheral blood.

FISH, on the other hand, is more sensitive than conventional karotype but the clinicians do need to have a cause for suspicion to know what they are looking for when using the technique.