Impact of molecular (DNA) testing on determination of parentage.
OBJECTIVE
To examine changes in parentage testing practices since the introduction of DNA polymorphisms.


METHODS
Comparison of data from American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) annual questionnaires and the responses of participants to AABB-College of American Pathologists proficiency test panels.


RESULTS
DNA polymorphisms have led to a complete change in the technical methods used by parentage testing laboratories.


CONCLUSIONS
The widespread use of DNA methods has increased the power of the information routinely provided to the courts in cases of disputed paternity, to agencies needing information about relatedness, and to the individuals who are tested.
Polesky
H F
HF
Memorial Blood Centers of Minnesota and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55404, USA.
D001771:Blood Banks; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010334:Paternity; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011639:Public Opinion; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
D004247:DNA