Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH)

Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) is a laboratory technique used to detect changes in the number of copies of DNA segments across a person’s genome. It compares a patient’s DNA to a normal reference DNA by labeling each with different colors. When hybridized to a special slide, regions with extra or missing DNA copies show color differences, revealing genetic imbalances such as deletions or duplications. CGH is useful for identifying genetic disorders, cancers, and other conditions involving chromosomal abnormalities, providing a detailed overview of variations in gene-rich regions without needing prior knowledge of specific mutations.