title: An improved fixation technique for fluorescence in situ hybridization for preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To improve existing preimplantation genetic diagnosis fixation techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomized in vitro study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intensity and clarity of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) signals and the percentage of successfully fixed blastomeres.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The described fixation technique resulted in 100% fixation and 100% adequate FISH signals. Two conventional techniques resulted in 94% and 87% fixation, and in adequate FISH signals in 81% and 87%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This newly developed fixation technique simplifies the process of fixation of blastomeres for preimplantation diagnosis while essentially eliminating the possibility of losing a cell during fixation. It will hopefully allow more IVF programs to offer their patients preimplantation genetic diagnosis using the FISH technique.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hutzel Hospital, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. aa4421@wayne.edu
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Dozortsev
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: McGinnis
mesh_terms: D001757:Blastomeres; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D016707:Tissue Fixation / Q000379:methods*