Rapid prenatal diagnosis of β thalassemia using DNA amplification and nonradioactive probes

Abstract

We used in vitro DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction and nonradioactive probes for prenatal diagnosis of β thalassemia in Chinese from the Guangdong province. Exact molecular diagnoses were made in all 20 fetuses studied over a 6-month period. We conclude that this method of prenatal diagnosis for β thalassemia is a viable approach in many parts of the world where this disease is common.