Chromosome banding analysis by slit‐scan flow cytometry

Abstract
We have investigated the use of fluorescence banding patterns for the resolution of metaphase chromosomes by slit‐scan flow cytometry. Fluorescence scans of R‐banded chromosomes have been obtained for the entire human karyotype. Metaphase chromosomes were R‐banded in suspension by staining with chromomycin A3 after hypotonic treatment in Ohnuki's buffer. Specific fluorescent landmark bands were detected for human chromosomes 1–12. Scans obtained for chromosomes 13–22 did not contain sufficient information for classification. Characteristic fluorescence patterns for human chromosomes 1 and 3 provided the clearest evidence for the detection of R‐bands by slit‐scan flow cytometry. Specific patterns were detected for human chromosomes 9–12 in which the number and placement of the fluorescent bands served as classifiers.