The t(9;22) (q34;q11) between abl and bcr genes plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia(CML). To explore the bcr/abl fusion mRNA expression on hematopoietic precursors, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was applied to detect bcr/abl mRNA expression on bone marrow cell colonies. Meanwhile, bcr/abl mRNA expressions on 14- or 28-day colonies using HPP-CFC and CFU-GM semisolid agar culture assay were also determined in 4 cases of confirmed Ph-positive CML by karyotyping analysis. The results showed that the bcr/abl mRNA expressions on 14-day colonies and some 14- or 28-day colonies detected singly were positive at presentation by RT-PCR, in agreement with results by karyotype analysis. Thus, a sensitive and powerful technique was offered for studying gene expression on hematopoietic precursors, diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of CML. Furthermore, this can be used as an ideal method for revealing molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of CML and screening anti-CML drugs.