[Critical evaluation of the evidence of a chromosome expertise in 24 cases of disputed paternity (author's transl)].

In 24 highly selected cases of disputed paternity a chromosome expertise (karyotyping with Q banding) was performed. These included 11 cases with one man and 13 cases with two men alleged. Among the latter both men were related (brothers, father and son) in five cases; in one case the father of the mother was involved. In seven cases a definite judgement could be achieved on the disputed relationship. In most other cases the assumed true father had been investigated while having no informative karyotype. It is concluded that karyotyping should be performed when an exclusion can be expected. In addition, in all informative cases the positive information towards paternity should be included in calculations of probability of fatherhood according to Essen-Möller.