DNA profiling is a forensic technique in criminal investigations, comparing criminal suspects' profiles to DNA evidence so as to assess the likelihood of their involvement in the crime. It is also used in parentage testing, to establish immigration eligibility, and in genealogical and medical research. DNA profiling is the process of determining an individual's DNA characteristics. DNA analysis intended to identify a species, rather than an individual, is called DNA barcoding. DNA fingerprinting uses repetitive sequences that are highly variable, called variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). DNA fingerprinting can be used to identify a person or to place a person at a crime scene and to help clarify paternity.