DNA Fingerprinting

Parentage Testing, Paternity Test

Why It Is Done

DNA fingerprinting is done to:

• Determine who a person's parents are (establish paternity). This test also may be used to identify the parents of babies who were switched at birth.
• Solve crimes (forensic science). Blood, semen, skin, or other tissue left at the scene of a crime can be analyzed to help prove whether the suspect was or was not present at the crime scene.
• Identify a body. This is useful if the body is badly decomposed or if only body parts are available, such as following a natural disaster or battle.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: July 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Renee H. Martin, PhD - Medical Genetics
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.