Rapid Method For Diagnosing The Various Forms Of Alpha-Thalassemia
Description of Invention:
The present invention is directed to a simple, inexpensive, and rapid method for detecting thalassemias. The present invention provides for the identification of nucleic acid primers capable of detecting and distinguishing between the various forms of alpha-thalassemia using any biological material (dry or fluid) containing nucleic acid material. The invention further provides for a method and diagnostic kit for the detection and quantitation of hemoglobin (Hb) alpha gene(s) in alpha-thalassemia patients, a method and kit for screening for carriers of this genetic disorder, a sensitive non-radioisotopic test capable of differentiating between the various forms of thalassemia, and a means to identify persons who are at risk of having offspring with homozygous alpha-thalassemia.
Inventors:
GP Rodgers (NIDDK) DC Tang (NIDDK)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-156-1996/0 --
U.S. Patent 6,322,981 issued 27 Nov 2001
Portfolios: Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine-Diagnostics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Fatima Sayyid M.H.P.M.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4521
Email: sayyidf@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
