Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of blood disorders characterized by abnormal development and function of myeloid cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) in the bone marrow. In MDS, the bone marrow fails to produce enough healthy blood cells, leading to various symptoms and complications. An MDS FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) panel is a laboratory test used in the diagnosis and monitoring of myelodysplastic syndromes. In this test, fluorescently labeled DNA probes are used to detect specific genetic abnormalities or mutations associated with MDS.

The MDS FISH panel detects monosomy 5 and 5q deletion, monosomy 7 and 7q deletion, trisomy 8, monosomy 20 and 20q deletion. This technique is valuable in detecting chromosomal abnormalities which can provide important information for the diagnosis, prognosis and management of MDS patients.