Identification of beta variant hemoglobins by DNA restriction endonuclease mapping

An alternative method for identifying beta variant hemoglobins is described. Computer analysis of restriction sites was used to predict which beta variants could be detected by DNA mapping. 61 of 217 variants were shown to have changes in restriction fragment patterns which were useful markers for the abnormal hemoglobin. A further 25 could be identified by polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Implications of DNA analysis in diagnosis of variant hemoglobins are discussed.