Standards for forensic molecular genetic investigations. Mass accidents and catastrophes

摘要

abstract_textpThe identification of victims in a mass disaster or catastrophe is a great challenge for all involved. One of the primary methods of identification is the forensic molecular genetic analysis. Therefore this represents an important part within the framework of the investigative activities in such cases. The experiences gained in recent years especially with the Tsunami in 2004 and the accidents in the last months show that there is need for action in this field. Depending on the special circumstances of each disaster and the number of victims, forensic molecular analyses are needed in more or less cases. The identification process needs to be adapted to each disaster. The standards of identification processes in Germany were published previously in this journal. The specific problems and work flows of forensic molecular analyses will be described in the following article. Standards are essential in order to compare results in the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) process./p/abstract_text