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A study to evaluate variable number tandem repeat DNA polymorphisms in disputed paternity testing

Thesis (MDip (Medical Technology))--Cape Technikon, 1993 / The use of genetic marker testing to resolve cases of
disputed paternity, is well established. The number and
range of systems used depends on the expertise of the
laboratory, and for this reason various laboratories
offer different systems. Standard testing includes tests
in the following genetic marker systems: human leukocyte
antigen (tissue) typing; red cell blood groups; and red
cell enzyme and serum protein testing. The Provincial
Laboratory for Tissue Immunology currently offers a range
of 16 genetic marker systems capable of excluding >99% of
falsely accused men.
Following the discovery DNA polymorphisms, particularly
VNTR DNA polymorphisms, and the commercial availability
of VNTR DNA probes, PLTI decided to offer this service to
our clients. This study was the initial phase in the
establishment of a VNTR DNA typing laboratory and covered
the determination of inter-and intra-gel accuracy and
precision, selection of restriction enzyme/probe
combination, and evaluation and comparison of the results
of 100 disputed paternity cases tested using both
standard and VNTR DNA typing.
Of the 100 cases tested, in 33 cases, the putative father
was excluded using standard testing. These exclusions
were confirmed using VNTR DNA typing, and, furthermore,
an additional two exclusions of paternity were shown
using only VNTR DNA typing. In another two cases of
disputed paternity, the exclusions obtained using
standard tests required further confirmation. VNTR DNA
typing convincingly excluded both falsely accused
putative fathers.
The VNTR DNA typing laboratory now functions as an
integral part of the disputed paternity service. Due to
the cost and time involved in VNTR DNA typing it is
reserved at this stage for: those cases which require
further confirmation of the results of standard testing;
when the probability of paternity is low (<99.7%); or
when a specific request is made.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:cput/oai:localhost:20.500.11838/1465
Date January 1993
CreatorsSchlaphoff, Theresa Elizabeth-Anne
PublisherCape Technikon
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Rightshttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/za/

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