Using a panel of 17 SSO probes immobilized on nylon membrane strips, the researchers typed 689 individuals from four population groups. The genetic diversity value for each population was calculated from the frequency data, and the frequencies of distinct "mitotypes" in each group were determined. The researchers performed DNA sequence analysis of 129 samples to characterize the sequences associated with "blanks" (absence of probe signals) and weak probe signals. Out of 689 samples, the researchers observed five heteroplasmic samples (excluding the variable C-stretch beginning at position 303) using the immobilized SSO probe panel. The SSO probe strips were used for the analysis of shed hairs and bloodstains from several criminal cases in Sweden, one of which is described in this report. The study concludes that this mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA)typing system is useful for human identification and significantly decreases casework turn-around time. 12 tables, 6 figures, and 34 references