engleski

Development and operation of DNA identification laboratories for mass processing of skeletal remains from mass graves: the Bosnian and Croatian experience as solid foundation for the future

A variety of methods were used to identify human remains, depending on the circumstances and the state of remains. For years now, different methods of forensic DNA testing (known as DNA fingerprinting) have been widely established and accepted as the standard procedure in this kind of forensic investigation. Data obtained through this analysis are highly reliable and can be used as a very powerful tool that produces valuable results. The latest war conflict in Bosnia and Croatia resulted in more than 40.000 missing persons. Unfortunately, most of the missing persons are dead. Therefore, significant efforts are currently underway to identify missing individuals discovered in hundreds of mass graves situated throughout Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the most important objectives of this complex process is the development and operation of a DNA laboratory for massive processing of skeletal remains. This multifaceted process involves: reconstruction and fundamental adaptation of the facility, founding and educating an initial scientific team, optimization of different laboratory protocols, introduction and education of new employees (to fulfill necessary staff quantity), and final optimization of all conditions required for routine DNA analysis on different types of skeletal samples. Respecting and finalizing all procedures of this process generate the ability to analyze trace amounts of human DNA from old teeth and bone samples. This offers the opportunity to identify unknown skeletal remains by a comparative genetic analysis with presumptive relatives. During the last ten years we solved a multitude of completely unforeseen difficulties in the functioning of our facilities. Our achievements in this preliminary phase, where we have introduced the newest method and completely different approach to DNA identification, could be used as a successful model for future activities in many other scientific aspects of forensic genetic and DNA identification of mass disaster victims. We hope that the Croatian and Bosnian experience could be used as solid foundation for establishing this type of laboratory all around world.

mass graves; skeletal remains; DNA identification; mass processing

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