[Genetic maternal-child identification with DNA].
BACKGROUND
Classical methods for newborn identification cannot establish a true biological nexus between mother and newborn, and hence they have been widely criticized. Therefore, a pilot study on a mother-infant genetic identification program (PROIGMI) has been started in order to ensure the determination of a biological relationship between mother and newborn in cases of vaginal delivery, caesarean birth or fetal autopsies.


METHODS
In the delivery room and after informed consent, a total of 100 blood samples from mother/newborn couples were taken and deposited on clean and sterile paper supports. DNA from a total of 20 mother/newborn couples was studied by PCR techniques, being able to unequivocally establish the biological relationship in all cases, even when using minimal amounts of DNA.


RESULTS
Blood samples collection does not show differences regarding the kind of birth (delivery, cesarean). The protocol used is easy and fast, and does not employ materials not known for health care professionals. Minimal amounts of blood yield enough DNA to obtain conclusive inclusion probabilities.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of DNA allows to stablish the so called biological truth in cases of doubt or where necessary; with the use of medical protocols these studies can be completed in 6 to 8 hours using small amounts of DNA (5 microliters).
Lorente Acosta
M J
MJ
Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería.
Lorente Acosta
J A
JA
Lorente Acosta
M
M
Ibarra Fernández
A J
AJ
Rull Pérez
R M
RM
Villanueva Cañadas
E
E
López Muñoz
J
J
D000328:Adult; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010355:Patient Identification Systems / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction