OBJECTIVETo establish an automatic, high throughput, quick detection method of alpha thalassemia.

METHODSThe genotypes of -alpha(4.2) and -alpha(3.7) were detected by two real-time fluorescence PCRs using SYBR-Green1 (SYBR-PCR) with the analysis of dissociation curve (DC) and melting temperature (Tm). The PCR products were recombined into T-vector and the correct cloning was selected as positive control. Sensitivities were gained from a serious dilution of the recombinant as SYBR-PCR template, from which detection deadlines for two kinds of alleles could be determined. Totally 110 samples were detected by this technique.

RESULTSThe length of product of -alpha(4.2) and -alpha(3.7) were 1.65 kb and 1.9 kb respectively, and the Tm were (81.5+/-0.5) degrees C and (82.5+/-0.5) degrees C respectively. The detection deadline were 9 x 10(2 ) copies and 4.3 x 10(2) copies respectively. The sensitivity of the technique was much higher than that of regular PCR plus gel electrophoresis method, and the detection results of the technique were the same as that of multiplex PCR.

CONCLUSIONThe genotypes of -alpha(4.2), -alpha(3.7), non-deletion alpha alpha/and --(SEA) can be sensitively, exactly diagnosed by the real-time PCR with SYBR-Green1 combined with the dissociation curve analysis. The assay is automatic, low-cost, high throughput, and easy for quality control without fluorescence probe.