[Sex determination in blood stains through identification of Y-chromatin: medico-legal application]

The Y-chromatin is visualized in human interphase nuclei, corresponding to the distal portion of the Y-chromosome, which shows marked fluorescence after staining with quinacrine. This report describes the results of sex determination on blood smears fixed in methanol and blood stains left at room temperature for 13 weeks (1st report), and for 10 months (2nd report). Blind trials showed that a reliable sex determination of blood stains on glass left for at least six months is possible. The application of this method in forensic practice is discussed.