Table 1

Comparison of conventional cytogenetics, FISH, and molecular studies

ParameterConventional cytogeneticsFISHQPCR
Sensitivity, % tumor 5%-10% 1%-10% 0.001–0.01 
Accuracy of measurement ± 15% ± 2%-5% ± 2- to 5-fold 
Metaphases required Yes No No 
Marrow sample required Yes No No 
Equivalence of blood and marrow results NA Yes Yes 
False negativity Yes Yes Yes 
False positivity Rare Yes, at ≤ 10% level Yes, at ≤ 0.1% level 
Detection of other chromosomal abnormalities Yes No No 
Detection of deletions of derivative chromosome 9 No Yes No 
ParameterConventional cytogeneticsFISHQPCR
Sensitivity, % tumor 5%-10% 1%-10% 0.001–0.01 
Accuracy of measurement ± 15% ± 2%-5% ± 2- to 5-fold 
Metaphases required Yes No No 
Marrow sample required Yes No No 
Equivalence of blood and marrow results NA Yes Yes 
False negativity Yes Yes Yes 
False positivity Rare Yes, at ≤ 10% level Yes, at ≤ 0.1% level 
Detection of other chromosomal abnormalities Yes No No 
Detection of deletions of derivative chromosome 9 No Yes No 
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