ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1973
Page Count: 3

Blood Grouping Tests for Non-Paternity
Sussman, LN
Attending hematologist, Beth Israel Medical Center, N.Y.

(Received 12 March 1972; accepted 17 April 1972)

Abstract

The use of blood grouping tests in disputed paternity, filial relationship, personal identification, forensic medicine, and other medicolegal problems has become increasingly frequent in the past twenty years [1–7]. Several recent articles concerned with pitfalls and exceptions in the interpretation of the laws pertaining to this highly accurate science have appeared [8–10]. Since the major medicolegal impact is in relation to disputed paternity, this report presents a study of an additional 1000 cases in this area. The previous report in 1963 [11] emphasized the fact that only 10 percent of defendants in paternity proceedings requested blood grouping tests to substantiate their denial, whereas a statistical study indicated that approximately 40 percent of men were in fact not the fathers in the actions brought before the courts. To fail to demand a blood grouping test is indeed to disregard a most important defense, and thus fail to provide the most substantial evidence of nonpaternity.

Keywords:

Paper ID: JFS10029J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10029J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.