Molecular diagnostics · USMLE Step 1

Which technique would you choose to detect a known chromosomal translocation in leukemia cells?

  1. Western blot
  2. DNA sequencing of a single gene
  3. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
  4. qPCR for protein level
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Correct answer: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

FISH uses fluorescent DNA probes that bind to specific chromosomal regions; it can visualize rearrangements such as translocations directly in cells, making it ideal for detecting chromosomal translocations in leukemia.

Difficulty: Medium Question 13 of 21

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