A COMPUTER-PROGRAM TO AID IN CALCULATING SIMILARITY INDEXES FROM DNA FINGERPRINTS

DNA SIMDEX is a DOS-based computer program designed to assist in the v isual scoring of DNA fingerprint assays. DNA SIMDEX uses the migration distances of the individual DNA bands to generate lists of probable m atching and nonmatching bands and automatically calculates a probable similarity index between DNA fingerprints based on these initial predi ctions. After comparisons are edited by the user, the final similarity index, along with accompanying data, can be saved on a floppy disk or hard drive for easy storage and retrieval or can be printed directly on a laser or line printer. The program has been developed to function with or without an image-analysis system, thus making it an inexpensi ve alternative for small laboratories.