Patent ID: 6187540
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
A method for systematically ensuring that all newborn/mother pairings are correct at discharge, said method comprising:a) obtaining a first sample of newborn cells at the birth of each newborn in a hospital;b) storing said first sample in a tamper-proof collection device;c) forwarding said tamper-proof collection device to a genotyping location; andd) examining said tamper-proof collection device to ensure that tampering has not occurred;e) genotyping said first sample to provide a first newborn fingerprint;f) obtaining a second sample of cells from said each newborn in a hospital prior to discharge and handing said second sample in accordance with steps b, c and d;g) genotyping said second sample to provide a second newborn fingerprint; andh) comparing each of said first and second newborn fingerprints, wherein substantial identity of the first and second newborn fingerprints indicates that said newborn/mother pairing is correct at discharge.