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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2002-02 > 1014224846


From:
Subject: Re: [DNA] US Military DNA database
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 12:07:26 EST


In a message dated 02/20/02 5:41:07 AM Pacific Standard Time,
writes:


> Does anyone know what DNA tests are being used to build the DNA database
> for identification of the US military? It might be a possible source of
> data that could be arranged by surname and place of birth, or residence at
> enlistment (at the state level), that would give various Y-chromosome
> baselines for surnames. What test is run on female military personnel? Any
> ideas on this? Same questions for the WTC database and the one from testing
> newborns at US hospitals.

I couldn't locate a good source for your question, so this is off the top of
my head. I believe the US Military is collecting samples but not extracting
or analyzing the DNA until there is a need for identification of remains. The
samples may be saliva or blood smears stored on a card with other identifying
information.

If the need arises, I imagine they would use the 13 CODIS (Combined DNA Index
System) markers, the standard for identifying individuals. CODIS markers are
on the non-sex chromosomes (autosomes), so they would be the same for males
and females. These markers are frequently used for paternity cases as well.
Every person has two versions of each marker, one which came from the father
and one from the mother. For the WTC cases, they have collected samples from
personal items such as toothbrushes, but they can also use DNA samples from
relatives to help establish identity.

For more on CODIS markers, here's a starting point:

http://www.cstl.nist.gov/biotech/strbase/fbicore.htm

I don't have any information on databases for newborns, but I expect this
would vary from state to state.

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