Genetic fingerprinting

A technique that can be used to demonstrate relationships between people (for example in paternity testing) or in forensic investigations to identify a criminal suspect. DNA contains a genetic code that is unique to each individual (except for identical twins). DNA can be extracted from a sample of a person’s body fluids, such as blood and semen, and analysed to reveal differences in the code: the “genetic fingerprint”.

 

Online Medical Dictionary: Your essential reference to over 5000 medical terms.