GIEMSA STAINING OF HETEROCHROMATIC AREAS OF HUMAN CHROMOSOMES FOR IDENTIFICATION

Abstract

A simple technique is described for differential staining of human chromosomes with Giemsa. The procedure involves DNA denaturation with a methanol-acetic acid fixative, and subsequent annealing using a saline solution. This technique has a number of advantages over quinacrine fluorescence, and gives a more distinct banding pattern. It is a rapid, inexpensive procedure and can be done with existing equipment and material in most cytogenetic laboratories.