Methods for the reduction of stutter in microsatellite amplification

A method of personal genetic identification comprising amplifying a plurality of regions of DNA from a sample containing DNA from a subject, wherein said regions comprise at least one microsatellite selected from the group consisting of a tetranucleotide repeat and a pentanucleotide repeat, wherein said microsatellite has a G+C content of 50% or less, wherein said amplification comprises the steps of:

• (a) contacting said DNA with at least one enzyme having nucleic acid polymerase activity;
• (b) incubating said sample with said enzyme for a time and under conditions sufficient to amplify said regions;
• (c) separating said amplified regions, forming a microsatellite pattern;
• and
• (d) comparing said microsatellite pattern with a corresponding microsatellite pattern derived from a DNA sample from a second source;
• wherein said incubation is performed in the presence of an amount of an additive selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, betaine and mixtures thereof, wherein said additive is effective to reduce the amount of stutter arising from said amplification relative to the amount of such stutter observed in the absence of said additive.