Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis

STR analysis works to examine individual areas in DNA. The differences from the collective areas of one person to another can allow for distinguishing between individuals. In criminal investigations, there are thirteen regions that are analysed and compared to establish profiles. In fact, DNA databases used at the government level involve the sequence of these thirteen regions. The chances of two people having the exact same thirteen regions is virtually impossible - likely one in a billion. A common DNA joke is that a person's odds of winning the lottery are higher than finding a perfect match for the thirteen regions.