Reverse dot blot probes for the screening of beta-thalassemia mutations in Asians and American blacks.

We have optimized a battery of reverse dot blot oligonucleotide probes for detecting the most common beta-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 beta-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.