Molecular genetic tests look carefully at the genetic makeup (DNA) of cells and help pathologists confirm whether a lesion is the result of a cancerous or non-cancerous condition. One type of test is fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), which uses fluorescent dyes to identify chromosome abnormalities that are too small to be viewed under a microscope and specific gene changes in a cell. FISH is used on regular blood or bone marrow samples. Unlike standard cytogenetics testing, which may take two to three weeks to yield results, FISH provides accurate results in a matter of days. Another type is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a highly sensitive DNA test that can detect changes too small to be visible under a microscope.
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Nondiscrimination Policy Update
Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.
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