STRs (short tandem repeats) are repetitive sequence elements 3–7 base pairs in length scattered throughout the human genome. By amplifying and analyzing these polymorphic loci, and then comparing the resulting STR profile to that of a reference sample, the origin of biological samples such as cells or tissues can be identified and verified. The more loci that are amplified, the higher the statistical power of discrimination.

The GenePrint® Systems provide highly informative STR analysis for cell and tissue identification, human identity testing and mixed sample detection.