The cells are fixated on glass microscope slides and hybridised with DNA probes.

The point of attachment, or hybridization, identifies that place in the chromosome as being chemically identical to the gene or other DNA probe.

"DNA probes are 100 percent accurate," she said.

Each type of microsphere bead contains a known DNA probe with a unique fluorescent identity.

That way it can be easily detected by a labeled DNA probe.

Species identification should be performed using specific DNA probes, high performance liquid chromatography, or biochemical tests.

In the first schematic, a small segment of the genome is being detected by a DNA probe (thicker line).

The test employs a DNA probe derived from a portion of the gene that produces prolactin, a hormone central to the production of milk.

The presence of the virus itself can be detected by advanced DNA probes.

They then test a strand of DNA from a person with the disease, using two DNA probes.