In utero paternity testing following alleged sexual assault. A comparison of DNA-based methods.

OBJECTIVE

To compare DNA typing by both variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to determine the utility of each for prenatal paternity testing following sexual assault. To consider ethical issues of limiting prenatal paternity studies.

DESIGN

Criterion standard.

SETTING

Prenatal diagnostic clinic after determination of pregnancy following an alleged sexual assault.

SUBJECTS

Ten prenatal paternity cases accepted during a 5-year period.

INTERVENTION

DNA-based paternity testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Inclusion or exclusion of paternity by consensual partner.

RESULTS

In all cases DNA typing using the PCR-based method provided the same conclusion as that from VNTR-based data. High probabilities of paternity were reported with both methods.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA typing with PCR using short tandem repeat loci provides a reliable method for quickly determining paternity in prenatal cases. The ethics of providing paternity testing in the context of sexual assault is discussed. The issue of providing prenatal paternity testing in consensual relationships is considered.