Using a rapid dot-blot screening procedure based on DNA amplification and hybridization to synthetic oligonucleotide probes, we investigated 18 neuroblastomas in various clinical stages for the presence of ras mutations. In none of the samples was a mutation in the relevant codons 12, 13 or 61 of Ha-ras, Ki-ras or N-ras found. These data virtually exclude the participation of mutated ras genes in the genesis of neuroblastoma.