Abstract: The cytogenetic chamber includes a chamber enclosure, a drying cavity in the enclosure, a door and a hand-insertion port through the door. A slide-supported, fixative-treated cell (prepared outside the chamber or in situ in the chamber) is in the drying area and air flows through the entirety of the drying area at a substantially uniform (and relatively low) flow rate. The fixative dries at substantially the same drying rate, irrespective of the location of the slide in the drying area. The invention is particularly useful for chromosome spreading and results in a significantly-increased percentage of metaphases having metaphase areas in the optimal range of 2,500 to 4,500 squared microns.

Abstract: The cytogenetic chamber includes a chamber enclosure, a drying cavity in the enclosure, a door and a hand-insertion port through the door. A slide-supported, fixative-treated cell (prepared outside the chamber or in situ in the chamber) is in the drying area and air flows through the entirety of the drying area at a substantially uniform (and relatively low) flow rate. The fixative dries at substantially the same drying rate, irrespective of the location of the slide in the drying area. A related method is also disclosed. The invention is particularly useful for chromosome spreading and results in a significantly-increased percentage of metaphases having metaphase areas in the optimal range of 2,500 to 4,500 squared microns.