What temperature is necessary for probe storage in FISH procedures?

For fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) procedures, probe storage at -20°C is necessary to maintain the stability and integrity of the probes over time. Storage at this temperature helps prevent degradation and ensures that the hybridization signal remains strong when the probe is later used in experimental procedures. Probes stored at higher temperatures may lose their effectiveness, leading to poor sensitivity and specificity during the hybridization process. This is vital for achieving accurate and reliable results in cytogenetic analyses. The other temperature options would not provide the optimal conditions needed for long-term probe preservation, making -20°C the ideal choice for probe storage in FISH.