VNTR polymorphisms were investigated for the possible individualisation of human urine samples with reference to doping cases in sport. Investigations were carried out with the RFLP single locus system YNH24/Hinf I and the PCR-VNTR systems Apo B and COL2A1 (AMPFLPs) as well as SE 33 and TC 11 (STRs). Urine samples were tested using 3 different volumes (10 ml, 1 ml and 0.1 ml) after 2 days and 2-5 weeks storage at 4 degrees C. Positive results were obtained for STR systems in all cases and with the smallest volume of urine tested (0.1 ml). The AMPFLP systems gave positive results in 4 out of 8 (Apo B) and 5 out of 8 (COL2A1) samples and YNH24 was successful in 1 out of 3 samples. Negative results were obtained for the AMPFLP systems and YNH24 after longer storage periods whereas the STRs were positive.