The STAR*FISH system provides an excellent method for the identification of single human chromosomes, and allows the detection of translocations and insertions on metaphase chromosomes. Marker chromosomes can also be identified and complex karyotypes analyzed.

Multicolor FISH (M-FISH) allows the simultaneous visualization of all human chromosomes in a different color and consequently allows the examination of the human genome in a single hybridization. The technology is especially useful when specimen material is limited and numerous complex chromosomal rearrangements are involved. SKY and M-FISH are the two systems used to analyze multicolored chromosomes and the systems differ only in the way they capture and analyze the images. A Multicolor FISH experiment results in two colorful images. The raw image gives the user an indication of the hybridization quality. The pseudo-color image shows the classification of each pixel and rearrangements are easily spotted and identified. Numerous papers show the benefits of this elegant technique.

This multicolor probe set consists of a mixture of combinatorially labeled chromosome-specific paints of all human chromosomes. Hybridization with the probe set results in high-contrast fluorescent signals, which is important for correct chromosome classification by the M-FISH software. A fluorescence microscope equipped with a FITC, Cy3, Cy3.5, Cy5, Cy5.5 filter set and M-FISH capture and classification software is required.

All STAR*FISH paint systems for whole human chromosomes are Cot-1 free and they are prepared from DOP-PCR-amplified DNA obtained from FACS-sorted chromosomes.