Dr. Sabath's main clinical research interest is the use of molecular techniques for the diagnosis of hematologic malignancies. Currently, the polymerase chain reaction is being used to detect small numbers of lymphoma cells in peripheral blood or bone marrow specimens. PCR is used to detect clonal B or T cell populations by amplifying immunoglobulin heavy chain or T cell receptor g chain gene rearrangements. Sensitive PCR methods are being used to detect cells with the 14;18 or 11;14 translocations seen in follicular and mantle cell lymphomas, respectively. RT-PCR is being used to detect the 9;22 translocation of chronic myelogenous leukemia.