DNA Fingerprinting

Paternity Test

Results

DNA fingerprinting is a test to identify and evaluate the genetic information—called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)—in a person's cells.

DNA samples can:

• Determine who a person's parents are (establish paternity). Tissue samples from two people can also be compared to determine how likely they are to be blood relatives.
• Determine whether a suspect was present at a crime scene, by comparing DNA from the scene to the DNA of the suspect.
• Positively identify a body. Bone and hair samples can be used to identify a badly decomposed body.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 20, 2009
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics
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