Objective: Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis using commercial multiplex PCR kits is the method of choice for kinship testing and trace analysis. However, under certain circumstances (deficiency testing, mutations, minute DNA amounts), STRs alone may not suffice. Methods: We present a 50-plex single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay based on the SNPs chosen by the SNPforID consortium as an additional method for paternity and for trace analysis. The new assay was applied to selected routine paternity and trace cases from our laboratory. Results and Conclusions: Our investigation shows that the new SNP multiplex assay is a valuable method to supplement STR analysis, and is a powerful means to solve complicated genetic analyses.

In der forensischen Praxis spielen neben den humanen "Spurenlegern" auch Tiere verschiedenster Spezies immer häufiger eine Rolle. Hierbei kann dem betroffenen Tier sowohl als "Tatwaffe" bzw. Spurenverursacher als auch als Opfer Bedeutung zu kommen.