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DNA identification in mass fatality incidents.
Victor W Weedn1, Howard J Baum
1Office of Chief Medical Examiner Maryland, Baltimore, 21223-2595, USA. weednv@njdcj.org
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|September 8, 2011
Summary
DNA identification is crucial for managing mass fatalities and identifying human remains. Medical examiners should prepare by collecting DNA from deceased individuals and their relatives, as testing is neither slow nor prohibitively expensive.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Genetics
- Disaster Medicine
Background:
- Human remains identification is critical in mass fatality incidents.
- DNA analysis is a key tool for identification in challenging cases.
- Medical examiners need protocols for DNA identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide medical examiners with a framework for DNA identification in mass fatality incidents.
- To highlight the importance and feasibility of DNA testing in disaster scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Review of DNA identification protocols in mass fatality management.
- Discussion of specimen collection from remains and next-of-kin.
- Analysis of the time and cost factors associated with DNA testing.
Main Results:
- DNA identification is essential for most large-scale mass fatality events.
- Specimen collection from both remains and relatives is necessary.
- DNA identification is often perceived as slower and more expensive than it actually is.
Conclusions:
- Medical examiners must be prepared for DNA identification in mass fatalities.
- Implementing DNA identification strategies is feasible and cost-effective.
- A structured framework can optimize DNA identification processes in mass fatality management.
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