In 1984, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers published their solution to chromosome painting that has been widely adopted. The publication was one of the most highly cited to come out of Livermore.

The ability to sort chromosomes using the high-speed sorter led to chromosome painting in 1988, a rapid method to measure damage to specific chromosomes. The technology was sold by Vysis which sells a wide range of chromosome painting products, including some that have been clinically approved by the Federal Drug Administration.