How can one do STR genotyping? - Looking for available technology options (Jul/28/2005 )

Folks,

What options does one have for doing STR genotyping?

I know one could use a polyacrylamide gel rig, but that's horribly inefficient if you need to do more than a couple samples.

I know one could use a sequencer, like an ABI 3100, but that's quite an expensive initial cost.

Does anyone know of a medium-throughput option of STR genotyping?

You could just send your samples out to a facility that does DNA sequencing (run on genescan). If you design your STR reactions so that they can be multiplexed (either in the PCR or by pooling after) then the cost per reaction will be quite low.