Human DNA from whole blood samples was isolated and analyzed according to procedures described by Budowle and Baechtel. Immediately after the DNA was fixed on the nylon membranes by heat baking at 80 degrees C for 30 minutes, the membranes were analyzed by hybridization with VNTR-specific probes or stored under various conditions. The membranes were stored under -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and ambient temperature and humidity. After varying times, the membranes were rehybridized to examine the effect of the various storage conditions. The concern was that storage conditions for the membranes permit RFLP profiles for the immobilized DNA over an extended period of time. Based upon study results, two brands of positively charged membranes examined can be stored at -20 degrees C or at 4 degrees C without any significant loss of detection sensitivity. Storage should be in sealed plastic bags or by thorough wrapping in plastic wrap at -20 degrees C to reduce the possibility of bacterial or fungal growth which might affect the integrity of the membrane or human DNA. 2 figures and 8 references