Response to Grisedale and Van Daal: comparison of STR profiling from low template DNA extracts with and without the consensus profiling method

In a recent contribution to this journal Grisedale and Van Daal concluded that a single STR analysis of all available template DNA is to be preferred over replicate analyses and a consensus approach when analyzing low template DNA samples. A single STR analysis approach does not allow for an assessment of the validity of the resulting DNA profile. We argue that the use of replicate amplifications is the best way to objectively quantify the extent of the stochastic variation in the data. By applying consensus methodology and/or a probabilistic model, the interpretation of the data will therefore be more objective and reliable.