Developmental validation of forensic DNA-STR kits: Expressmarker 16Â +Â 10Y and expressmarker 16Â +Â 18Y

DNA-STR analysis is widely used in the forensic science field and obtaining results in shorter time is highly demanded. The developed forensic STR Kit, referred to as Expressmarker 16 + 10Y (EX16 + 10Y) and Expressmarker 16 + 18Y (EX16 + 18Y), could amplify the common autosomal and Y chromosome STR loci simultaneously. The kits are validated by a series of tests, including DNA mixtures, stutter ratios, PCR based studies, species specificities, inhibitors, sensitivity, sizing precision, reproducibility and parallel tests. The results demonstrated that EX16 + 10Y and EX16 + 18Y were useful tools for rapid criminal investigation.