PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network

Physical Evidence Manual
� Baby teeth are not very good because of mix ups with other children's
teeth and the possible lack of mitochondrial DNA.
These items should be submitted directly to the University of North Texas. You
local laboratory is available for questions.
DNA from the Victim’s Relatives (Family Reference Standards):
When medical specimens and personal items (mentioned in paragraph above)
are not available, DNA testing can be done on DNA samples from biological
(blood) relatives. DO NOT collect the DNA from adoptive parents, adopted
children, stepparents and other non-biological relatives. DNA from these
relatives cannot be used to identify the victim. The closer the family relationship
to the victim the more likely a match can be made. It is more difficult to make a
match between victim remains and distance relatives. In some cases, it is useful
to have DNA samples from specific relatives. If DNA from the victim’s children is
used, it is helpful to have DNA from the children’s other biological parents.
Preferred Family Reference Samples in order of preference
1 Both Parents or Known identical twin
2 One parent, spouse and children
3 Children and spouse
4 One parent and sibling
5 Siblings (two or more)
Family Reference Standard kit (FRS)- This is the kit produced and
disseminated by UNT to be used to collect oral swab DNA from family members
of missing persons. Collection kits are available with instructions and supplies for
retaining the DNA samples from family members. Each kit is for one family
member. Several kits may need to be collected. The oral cells on swabs will be
collected by the law enforcement agency involved using the Presidents DNA
Initiative Collection kit or the FBI collection instructions. A signature of the
person giving consent to the collection and testing of the DNA sample is
required. A signature of the officer witnessing the collection is also required. Do
not submit these collection kits to the OSP Forensic Laboratories. The kits will
be sent directly to the FBI or UNT for Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA analysis.
The FBI and University of North Texas have the capability to enter the profiles
into the appropriate CODIS databases. For more information on the CODIS
Adopted: May 2002
Revisions: 6
Last Revision: January 31, 2008
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