Chemiluminescent detection of gene rearrangements in hematologic malignancy

A chemiluminescent based Southern blot assay is described for the detection of gene rearrangements in human hematologic malignancies. The DNA probes for regions of rearrangements within the immunoglobulin genes were labeled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP and detected by an antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase with Lumiphos 530 as a substrate. This assay has proven more sensitive than colorimetric assays and provides rapid turn-around times without the hazards of radioactive isotopes.