Medicolegal aspects of paternity testing

Blood group testing has achieved wide acceptance by the courts as a major scientific determinant in paternity proceedings. Other tests, including H-LA types and hemoglobin determinations, are also being used with increasing frequency; however, there are legal safeguards which must be met to satisfy the court's need to ensure the validity of the tests and their interpretation. In order for the results of paternity testing to be admitted into testimony (evidence) the following should be established: 1) proof that proper persons provided the blood samples; 2) consent to the tests and permission for release of information regarding test results; 3) proof that the speciment was correctly labeled and transported; 4) documented accuracy of the testing procedures; 5) fact testimony regarding the test results; and 6) expert testimony explaining the exclusion principle. In the future, laboratory personnel can expect wider application of these and other laboratory results to legal proceedings. For determinations derived from any laboratory testing to be admissable as evidence, the courts will apply the above safeguards.