The identification of victims of the civil war is a long and complex process involving the work of various multidisciplinary teams. This process includes preliminary studies for locating the mass graves and documentary analysis to search for lists of deceased individuals, excavation work of the graves, subsequent osteological study of the remains, and concluding with DNA studies that allow for unequivocal identification of the deceased through comparison with the DNA of direct relatives.
Each phase is equally important, as genetic identification is not typically performed by comparing all collected remains directly with undisputed relatives due to the cost and complexity. Instead, candidate skeletons are selected based on their osteological characteristics, organizing groups by age, height, and other special features. However, if the number of found skeletons is small (fewer than 10 individuals), it may be possible to conduct DNA tests directly without prior osteological study, although this is not recommended.
The ideal samples for identifying the bone remains of missing persons are:
- Teeth: It is recommended to select at least 4 dental pieces, preferably molars, that are not externally damaged (cracked or decayed) and have not undergone root canal treatments. The complete tooth should be extracted without breaking its roots. If extraction is not possible, it is advisable to send the entire jawbone.
- Bones: They should be cleaned of putrid remains, and whenever possible, a long and compact bone, preferably a femur, should be selected.
Both types of samples should be preserved and transported in paper containers (envelopes or boxes), avoiding plastic. Additionally, each specimen should be accompanied by a code or reference number to allow for individual identification during processing and report preparation.
For collecting samples from undisputed relatives:
- If judicial validity is required (e.g., for court cases, complaints, or claims), the sample collection must be performed by a healthcare professional who will identify the relatives and send the samples to the laboratory, ensuring the Chain of Custody.
- If the identification of the remains is for informational purposes only, LabGenetics can send sample collection kits to the home so that relatives can collect oral DNA using sterile cotton swabs.
Samples from undisputed relatives should be accompanied by the corresponding request form, clearly indicating the name of the deceased to be identified and the exact degree of relationship between them.
Depending on the available undisputed relative of the missing person, the genetic study conducted will vary:
- Analysis of the hypervariable regions HVI and HVII of mitochondrial DNA for identification through comparison with maternal relatives.
- Analysis of 23 Y-chromosome STRs for identification through comparison with paternal relatives.
- Analysis of 24 autosomal STRs (genetic fingerprint) to conduct direct biological relationship testing, mainly paternity or maternity tests, sibling relationships, grandparent-grandchild, etc.
To perform the identifications, LabGenetics has a DNA database that enables rapid comparison of genetic profiles to establish all types of family relationships through comparisons with direct relatives. All genetic analyses follow procedures and protocols adapted according to the recommendations of ISFG (International Society of Forensic Genetics), EDNAP (European DNA Profiling group), and ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes). LabGenetics adheres to strict quality and safety criteria, ensuring the highest reliability, precision, reproducibility, and consistency of the obtained results.
