Background: A variety of methods exist for the detection of single-nucleoti
de polymorphisms (SNPs) present in amplified segments of genomic DNA. We sh
ow the application of a novel SNP scoring tool for analysis of the factor V
Leiden mutation.
Methods and Results: We have developed a novel method for analyzing SNPs. T
he luciferase-based technique, known as the READIT Technology (Promega Corp
, Madison, WI), was used to analyze 510 residual human samples sent for fac
tor V Leiden testing from three independent testing laboratories. A blinded
retrospective analysis of the factor V Leiden mutation was used to determi
ne the accuracy and throughput capabilities of the technology. One hundred
percent concordance was observed between the READIT Assay and genotype assi
gnments made in the testing laboratories. In addition, greater than 6 SDs o
f separation were observed between the means of wild-type and heterozygote
sample populations. Repetitive sample measurements with representative wild
-type, heterozygote, and mutant samples showed that greater than 9 SDs sepa
rated the means of heterozygote and homozygote sample populations. Confiden
ce intervals based on the means of wild-type, heterozygote, and mutant samp
le populations were determined.
Conclusion: perfect concordance using the READIT Assay showed its effective
ness as a SNP scoring tool. The design of the factor V READIT Assay was str
aightforward, requiring the design of two unmodified oligonucleotides that
differ at the 3' penultimate position to form perfect hybrids with the wild
-type or Leiden form of the factor V sequence. The use of previously publis
hed amplification primers and conditions minimized the time needed to optim
ize and validate the assay. The READIT Calculator supplied with the assay a
llowed automated genotype assignments and statistical analysis from the REA
DIT Assay data. Confidence-interval analysis validated the ability to disti
nguish between wild-type, heterozygote, and mutant samples using the READIT
Assay.