Application of the phosphoglucomutase (PGM) system of human red cells in paternity cases.

Abstract

Summary. The application of the PGM system of human red cells in paternity cases was studied with the following conclusions: 1 The type determination is reliable and simple. All reagents are easily available. 2 The characters are fully developed at birth, and are in all probability constant throughout life. Disease does not seem to influence the type determination. Blood transfusions may, however, possibly change the PGM pattern temporarily. 3 The characters resist unfavourable storing conditions within practical limits. 4 No exceptions from the rules of inheritance have till now been observed. 5 In Norway 14.4% of falsely alleged fathers may be excluded. The confidence of exclusions is of the magnitude 99%. With non-exclusions, the paternity index may give valuable information of probability of paternity. 6 In 562 paternity cases with 752 men, 55 men were excluded by the PGM system. The observed numbers of exclusions did not differ significantly from the expected values. 7 It can be concluded that the PGM system of red cells represents a valuable tool in cases of disputed paternity.