Using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) to detect the transfer of infant cells during breastfeeding.

Using fluorochrome-labeled probes for the X and Y chromosomes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to test for the presence of male cells in the milk of women breastfeeding male babies. After breastfeeding, the women wiped one breast and collected a test sample. Wiping efficiency was evaluated in 2 mothers by running a solution over the nipple after wiping.

Genetic analysis of human milk by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Ductal lavage is a technique for early breast cancer detection in high-risk women. During this procedure, exfoliated epithelial cells are flushed out of the milk ducts of nonlactating women and the collected cells are analyzed for cellular changes associated with breast cancer. A recently developed protocol uses interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) to detect specific chromosomal aneusomies known to be associated with breast cancer.