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DNA Preservation in Skeletal Elements From the World Trade Center Disaster: Recommendations for Mass Fatality Management

NCJ Number
227693
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 739-745
Author(s)
Amy Z. Mundorff M.A.; Eric J. Bartelink Ph.D.; Elaine Mar-Cash M.S.
Date Published
July 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study used a subset of the World Trade Center (WTC) Human Remains Database (HRD) in order to evaluate the differential preservation of DNA by skeletal element.
Abstract
The findings show significant variation in DNA identification rates between skeletal elements, with higher overall successful DNA typing rates among weight-bearing lower limb elements than among elements of the trunk, the upper limb, and head. Recovery location, sex, and victim type (civilian, firefighter, or plane passenger) did not apparently influence DNA preservation. The study results suggest that patellae, metatarsals, and foot phalanges are likely to produce successful DNA profiles at rates comparable to femora, tibiae, and ribs in conducting victim identifications in mass disasters. These elements can be easily sampled with a disposable scalpel, thus reducing potential DNA contamination. The database used in the study consisted of 19,970 sets of human remains obtained from the WTC disaster of September 11, 2001, as of September 2005. The criteria for selection included macroscopic preservation of the external surface (e.g., no evidence of burning, severe fragmentation, weathering, embedded soil, or concrete dust), a preference for dense cortical bone over councilors bone, long bones over axial elements, and bones still protected by soft tissue over completely skeletonized elements; however, cases of poorly preserved bone were still sampled. 9 tables, 2 figures, and 37 references