title: An integrated microfluidic chip for chromosome enumeration using fluorescence in situ hybridization.
abstract: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful technique for probing the genetic content of individual cells at the chromosomal scale. Conventional FISH techniques provide a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of chromosomal alterations on a cell-by-cell basis; however, the cost-per-test in terms of reagent and highly qualified labour has prevented its wide-spread utilization in clinical settings. Here, we address the inefficient use of labour with the first integrated and automated on-chip FISH implementation, one that requires only minutes of setup time from the technician. Our microfluidic chip has lowered the reagent use by 20-fold, decreased the labour time by 10-fold, and substantially reduced the amount of support equipment needed. We believe this cost-effective platform will make sensitive FISH techniques more accessible for routine clinical usage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2nd Floor ECERF, University of Alberta, Edmonton, CanadaT6G 2V4.
authors.forename: Vincent J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Sieben
authors.forename: Carina S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Debes-Marun
authors.forename: Linda M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Pilarski
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Backhouse
mesh_terms: D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D032681:Spectral Karyotyping / Q000379:methods*