Twenty-two X-linked cosmid clones have been localised by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Twelve map to the long arm of the X chromosome and 10 to the short arm. Seven of the latter cosmids and an additional one were mapped by two colour FISH relative to reference markers DXS7 and DXS426 in proximal Xp. Finer localisation of one of the cosmids, namely HX43 was achieved by isolation of a microsatellite followed by genetic mapping with respect to reference markers in the region.