Abstract
Provided are methods and kits that allow the amplification, in a single multiplex reaction, of the thirteen rapidly mutating Y chromosome short tandem repeats (RM Y-STRs) at loci DYF387S1; DYF399S1; DYF403S1a/b; DYF404S1; DYS449; DYS518; DYS526a/b; DYS547; DYS570; DYS576; DYS612; DYS626; and DYS627, if present in a sample of DNA, and determination of the alleles at these RM Y-STRs. The ability to achieve such determination through a single multiplex arises as a result of a beneficially designed set of primers disclosed herein. Optimised conditions for the PCR also contribute to the advantages observed. Such kits and methods may be of benefit in the context of forensic sciences.