Rapid colorimetric assay for the detection of the bcr-abl rearrangement

The value of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of malignant disorders is well established. However, several factors such as sample type, storage conditions and extraction methodology affect the ability of the PCR to provide a diagnosis. We describe the use of a PCR-product-specific 'capture' oligo to overcome these potential problems. The detection of the captured product by standard ELISA technologies allowed a rapid colorimetric analysis to be performed removing the need for both gel electrophoresis and the performance of a nested PCR in order to reach a diagnosis. In a survey of 14 clinical samples this method was observed to be both more sensitive and specific than the PCR followed by gel electrophoresis.