Use of M13 single-stranded DNA digoxigenin labelled probe for detection of human parvovirus B19 viraemia

A dot-blot hybridization assay for serum B19 DNA is described using a non-radioactive (digoxigenin) M13 single-stranded DNA probe. The assay is sensitive (0.3 pg of B19 DNA) and has several advantages over similar assays which use radioactive or non-radioactive labelled plasmid probe for the routine detection of B19 DNA in sera.