Fetal sexing by chorionic villus biopsy and in situ DNA hybridisation with a Y probe and biotin-streptavidin-polyalkaline phosphatase labelling

Summary

In situ DNA hybridisation using a biotinylated Y probe was performed on ten placental specimens obtained at chorionic villus biopsy at 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. The probe was visualised using a streptavidin-polyalka-line phosphatase labelling technique. Standard chromosomal karyotype analysis was performed on an adjacent specimen to confirm the results. There was complete concordance between the methods with a clear signal being obtained in all male specimens. In situ hybridisation allows localisation of the gene to fetal cells; the streptavidin-polyalkaline phosphatase detection system is more rapid than autoradiography and requires no toxic reagents.