[Labelling of DNA by iodination and its application on the detection of EBV-DNA]

The authors developed a simple and efficient method--the iodination of the single-stranded DNA catalyzed by thallium chloride in vitro. The 125I-labelled DNA has a specific activity higher than 10(8) cpm/micrograms DNA. This reaction does not involve any enzyme. The optimal conditions of the iodinating reaction, including the high temperature, low pH and the concentrations of DNA and iodine, are described. 125I-labelled DNA inserted with the fragment of EBV-DNA are used to detect EBV-DNA by blot and spot and in situ hybridization.