A DNA probe p79-2-23 is homologous to at least a portion of a hypervariable DNA region located on chromosome 16q22.fwdarw.q24 in the human genome. The DNA region displays a restriction fragment length polymorphism when digested with certain restriction endonucleases. Unrelated individuals display unique fragment patterns on Southern blots probed with p79-2-23. The probe can be used to produce a genetic "fingerprint" for establishing human identity, determining engraftment of bone marrow transplants, determining parentage, and otherwise mapping genes.