Development of the Investigator STR GO! Kits for the direct amplification of reference samples

Abstract STR analysis of forensic reference samples can be performed using a novel direct amplification method. Two assays have been developed for this purpose. One covers the CODIS set of markers and the other covers the ESS including SE33. The method gives balanced DNA profiles with high first pass rates for buccal swabs and blood and buccal cells on FTA paper. The addition of SNP primers compensates for profile imbalances caused by three known binding site mutations.