First experiences using the new Powerplex® ESX17 and ESI17 kits in casework analysis and allele frequencies for two different regions in Germany.

DNA databases are the most efficient tools in criminal investigations with unknown perpetrators. Due to a significant number of random matches in cross-border DNA profile exchanges, the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) proposed the addition of further short tandem repeats (STRs) to European DNA databases. Therefore, the new Powerplex® ESX17 and Powerplex® ESI17 kits from Promega comprised the 11 established DNA database STRs and additionally the well-known loci D1S1656 and D12S391, as well as D2S441, D10S1248, and D22S1045.