Polymerase chain reaction amplification applied to the determination of β‐like globin gene cluster haplotypes

We report here on the application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the determination of the β‐like gene cluster haplotypes. Seven fragments containing each one of the following polymorphic sites—Xmnl 5′ to the ^Gγ gene, Hindlll in the IVSII of ^Gγ and ^A γ gene, Hincll 3′ and inside the γ gene, Hinfl 5′ of the β gene—and Hpal 3′ of the β gene—are amplified using the PCR technique. Each amplified fragment is subsequently digested with the appropriate enzyme, analyzed by electrophoresis on agarose gel containing ethidium bromide, and visualized under ultraviolet light. This technique has the advantages of rapidity, safety, and cost‐effectiveness.