A DNA probe p144-D6 is homologous to at least a portion of a hypervariable DNA region located on chromosome 17(17p13) in the human genome. The DNA region displays a restriction fragment length polymorphism when digested with certain restriction endonucleases. Unrelated invididuals often display unique fragment patterns on Southern blots probed with p144-D6. 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.