A routine method for cytogenetic analysis of small urinary bladder tumor biopsies

A method that allows routine cytogenetic analysis of small cystoscopic biopsies from urothelial tumors is described. This method is based on prolonged mild collagenase disaggregation, a 12-16 hour culture, and harvesting procedures adapted to give maximal metaphase recovery. In addition to providing a means for cytogenetic studies of small biopsies from urinary bladder tumors, this method provides the advantages of direct preparations, with chromosome morphology and banding sufficient for karyotypic analysis. Conventional cell synchronization techniques, applied to this system, should enable high-resolution banding and optimize analysis.