Reverse dot blot probes for the screening of β‐thalassernia mutationsin Asians and American blacks

We have optimized a battery of reverse dot blot oligonucleotide probes for detecting the most common β‐globin gene mutations in Asians and American Blacks. These probes allow a high degree of coverage of mutant chromosomes in these two populations and are useful in mutation screening and prenatal diagnosis. When coupled with the Mediterranean subset of probes, a 95% worldwide coverage of β‐thalassemia mutations should be possible. The use of these probes in the reverse dot blot system should allow the distribution of premade strips and application to automated screening. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.