THE DNA IMPRINT IN-PLACE OF THE PLANTAR F OOTPRINT IN NEONATAL IDENTIFICATION

BACKGROUND: TO check the possible usefulness in studying DNA in dried blood spots taken on filter paper blotters for newborn identification. It set out to establish: 1. The validity of the method for analysis; 2. The validity of all stored samples (such as those kept in clinical records); 3. Guarantee of non-intrusion in the genetic code; 4. Accept able price and execution time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty (40) anonym ous 13-year-old samples of 20 subjects (2 per subject) were studied, D NA was extracted using Chelex resin and the STR (<<small tandem repeat >>) of microsatellite DNA was studies using the <<polimerase chain rea ction method>> (PCR), Three non coding DNA loci (CSF1PO, TPOX and THO1 ) were analyzed by Muitiplex(R) amplification. RESULTS: It was possibl e to type 39 samples, making it possible to match the 20 cass (one by exclusion), The complete procedure yielded the results within 24 hours in all cases. The estimated final cost was found to be a fifth of tha t conventional maternity/paternity tests. CONCLUSIONS: The study carri ed out made matching possible in all 20 cases (directly in 19 cases). It was not necessary to study DNA coding areas. The validity of the me thod for analyzing samples stored for 13 years without any special car e was also demonstrated. The technic was fast, producing the results w ithin 24 hours, and at reasonable cost.