Improving DNA ID in Mass Disasters

A panel convened after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the New York World Trade Center (USA) has reported on DNA-based efforts to identify those reported missing and made recommendations to improve DNA ID (identification) in future attacks or mass disasters.

The panel, called the Kinship and Data Analysis Panel (KADAP), was able to identify about 850 of the 2,749 people reported as missing, based solely on DNA test results. KADAP was organized and funded by the U.S. National Institute of Justice (Washington, DC, USA). The panel has determined that no further identifications can be made at this time using the DNA samples collected. Most of the identifications were made using a standard testing method used in forensic science. However, because some DNA samples were not in good condition, technical improvements and other methods were used to assist in the effort.

KADAP members recommended that similar panels should identify the criteria for determining when an identification effort should be concluded, especially if it is deemed that no further progress can be made. Other recommendations included: conducting more research to develop more sensitive forensic DNA typing systems; improving software to integrate analytic, database, and workflow functions; and designing processes to test and validate novel identification procedures as they are being developed.

Researchers found that the DNA derived from the tissue fragments was often mixed with inorganic building material. In addition, much of the DNA was compromised due to exposure to horrific conditions at the disaster site, including temperatures exceeding 1,800oF. Forms and kits were developed to enable the medical examiner's office to collect reference DNA from victims' previously stored medical specimens such as blood or cheek swabs of their next-of-kin. The kit included a brochure "How DNA Can Help Identify Individuals,” which has been utilized by other medical examiner offices in other countries.

A new information technology infrastructure had to be established to optimize data transfer between the state police and the medical examiner's office, as well as to interconnect the databases and analytic tools used by the panel. A data repository was established at the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Library of Medicine (Bethesda, MD). Software companies were hired to create new tools for matching the DNA fingerprints of victims' samples to those of next-of-kin. The NIJ plans to publish its own report outlining lessons learned from the panel's work. Authorities have already used that report to help identify victims of the South Asian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.