Detection of the beta(s) gene: an evaluation of the solubility test against automated chromatography and haemoglobin electrophoresis

The solubility test is evaluated against automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and haemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis for its efficacy in screening for the B-S gene in population groups in remote areas. Blood samples taken from 3246 individuals from the tribal populations of the Dhul e and Gadchiroli districts of Maharashtra state were analysed by all three methods. The solubility test detected 871 out of 932 individuals positive f or the B-S gene by HPLC and Hb electrophoresis, and showed an overall sensi tivity of 93.8% and specificity of 100%, with a positive predictive value o f 100% and negative predictive value of 97.4%. Both HPLC and Hb electrophor esis are relatively expensive and not available in most laboratories in rem ote tribal areas, where the frequency of the B-S gene is very high. We conc lude that the solubility test could be used for preliminary screening to de termine the prevalence of the B-S gene in different population groups, part icularly in remote areas where other facilities are not available. Individu als who test positive for the B-S gene by the solubility test require furth er investigation by either HPLC or Hb electrophoresis.