Abstract
Buccal smear analysis is a non-invasive method which is being popularized by new fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. It is frequently used for gender identification and detection of sex chromosome aneuploidy in neonates. We attempted to determine whether or not buccal smears of nursing infants can be contaminated by maternal cells from breast feeding. FISH involving centromere specific directly labeled, multicolor probes for chromosomes X, Y and 18 were used for analysis of buccal smear samples. Buccal smear samples from 22 breast fed and 20 formula fed male neonates were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Twenty-seven percent of samples from breast fed infants had some (0.5-2.5%) XX signal pattern while the samples from formula fed infants had no XX signal pattern (difference statistically significant, p < 0.02, at 95% confidence interval). Our results indicate that breast feeding can cause maternal cell contamination of buccal smear samples that can lead to misinterpretation of results involving FISH analysis or other DNA based diagnostic studies. We have also modified the FISH technique to suit the neonates.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
