Both the primed in situ (PRINS) and the peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) techniques constitute alternatives to the conventional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) procedure for chromosomal identification and aneuploidy detection. The two procedures present several advantages (specificity, rapidity, discriminating ability) that make them very attractive for a number of cytogenetic purposes. Various applications have already been developed in human and new adaptations are ongoing.

Key words: Chromosomal screening; Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); primed in situ (PRINS); peptide nucleic acid (PNA).