Do low template DNA profiles have useful quantitative data?

A set of low template mixed DNA profiles with known ground truths was examined using software that utilised peak heights (STRmix™ V2.3) and an adapted version that did not use peak heights and mimicked models based on a drop-out probability [1], [2] (known as semi-continuous or 'drop' models) (STRmix™ lite). The use of peak heights increased the LR when Hp was true in the vast majority of cases. The effect was most notable at moderate template levels but was also present at quite low template levels. There is no level at which we can say that height information is totally uninformative. Even at the lowest levels the bulk of the data show some improvement from the inclusion of peak height information.