The typing of the D1S8 (MS32) locus using the minisatellite variant repeat (MVR) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was performed by visualising amplified DNA stained with ethidium bromide. The results from rapid detection MVR-PCR were compared with those from the original MVR-PCR using Southern blot hybridisation with a 32P-labelled probe. With genomic DNA extracted from blood samples of 40 healthy unrelated Japanese individuals, the first 41 codes, on average, were correctly determined by rapid detection MVR-PCR without band intensity information, compared with at least 60 codes typed by the original MVR-PCR. The rapid detection MVR-PCR method was applied to bloodstains to simulate forensic samples. On average, 39 code positions could be determined from DNA extracted from 3-month-old bloodstains of six persons. Rapid detection MVR-PCR is more convenient than the original MVR-PCR, furnishes much information with regard to personal identification, and should be applicable to forensic fields.