DNA probe technology in parentage testing

Paternity tests involve laboratory procedures on blood samples obtained from the alleged father, mother, and child to determine if the alleged father is the true father. Conclusions are based on the principle that the child inherits half of the characteristics (markers) in his/her blood from each true parent. DNA probe analysis has emerged from the research laboratory and is currently being utilized by laboratories engaged in parentage testing to improve their efficiency in discriminating between fathers and nonfathers. This new technique provides a very powerful tool.