DNA+Reference+Samples

= __DNA Reference Samples __ = ====  In order to identify the victim by DNA analysis a reference sample is required as well as a DNA sample from the victim. This reference sample can be called the ante-mortem sample. Ante-mortem samples can be in the form of DNA samples from immediate relatives, medical specimens, and personal objects that were used last by the victim. Samples from immediate relatives include mother, father, sister, or brother. Medical specimen reference samples or bloodstains on filter paper that are held and managed at medical facilities can help identify the victim because all samples are labeled with the person’s identity. According to Montelius and Lindblom (2012), in Sweden all newborn babies within the last 30 years have been screened for diseases using bloodstains on filter paper, and these stains are held in the medical facilities. In the South East Asian tsunami in December 2004 the Sweden bloodstains were accessed, and 15 Swedish victims were identified. Personal objects belonging to the victim can also be used to obtain a reference DNA sample of the victim, however this source risks cross-contamination of DNA. Samples that are retrieved from the remains of the victim are called post-mortem samples. The type of sample taken from the remains depends on the condition of the remains. Montelius and Lindblom (2012) constructed guidelines to what type of DNA sample should be obtained including the following: for remains that have not decomposed a blood or buccal smear should be retrieved; for remains that have not decomposed but are severely damaged a blood or deep tissue sample should be obtained; for remains that are severely decomposed and unrecognizable a compact bone or tooth sample should be obtained; and for remains that are severely burnt a compact bone or tooth sample should be obtained. Once reference samples and post-mortem samples have been collected the DNA extraction processes are performed. ====

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