DNA Fingerprinting

Parentage Testing, Paternity Test

What To Think About

• Because DNA fingerprinting has been used to identify bodies, such as military personnel killed in action or crime victims, a DNA database (much like a fingerprint database) is now being developed. DNA fingerprinting is more accurate than traditional fingerprints, dental records, blood type, or ID tags for this purpose.
• Although home paternity test kits are available, they are not as accurate as DNA fingerprinting, and the results cannot be used in a court of law. If you are thinking about using of one of these kits, talk with your health professional.
• Other tests that can help determine the likelihood of two people being related or that can detect inherited diseases include karyotyping and genetic testing. For more information, see the medical tests Karyotype and Genetic Test.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 26, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Renee H. Martin, PhD - Medical Genetics
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