Identification of blood stains and fetal tissue using genetic fingerprinting

Two cases from practical forensic serological investigations which could not be clarified by means of conventional serological methods, but could be resolved on the basis of the DNA finger print technique with oligonucleotide probes are presented. Both the comparison of the identity of the blood sample which had been stored for a long time and the determination of paternity in fetal material in a case of incest demonstrate the enormous possibilities of this method. However, some problems which still have not been resolved at least at present with regard to the evaluation and appraisal of the band patterns are also discussed.