What are sources and categories of DNA samples for Missing Persons?

There are three different categories associated with Missing Persons' Cases: Direct Reference Samples (DRS), Family Reference Samples (FRS), and Unidentified Human Remains Samples (UHR).

Direct Reference Sample (DRS): samples obtained directly from the missing person.

The following samples are considered acceptable for Missing Persons Direct Reference Samples:

  • Medically obtained blood cards, whole blood, or a tissue specimen that was collected from the missing person
  • A toothbrush used only by the missing person

Family Reference Samples (FRS): samples obtained from family members of the missing person. Close relatives and/or maternal relatives' samples are the most useful.

  • Buccal/Oral swabs
  • Blood Cards

Unidentified Human Remains Samples (UHR): samples obtained from unidentified human remains.

  • bones (skeletal remains)
  • tissue
  • teeth

 

CONTACT UNTCHI - MISSING PERSONS:

Evidence Custodian Office Toll Free Number: 1-800-763-3147
Evidence Custodian Office Local Number: 817-735-0624
Evidence Custodian Toll Free Fax Number: 1-800-221-3515
Evidence Custodian Office Local Fax Number: 817-735-0553

Mailing Address:    UNT Center for Human ID

                                Evidence Custodian

                                3500 Camp Bowie  EAD - 332

                                Fort Worth, TX  76107

Missing Persons E-Mail:               MissingPersons@unthsc.edu

CODIS Administrator E-Mail:       CODIS@unthsc.edu

Printable Sample Forms

Family Reference Samples (FRS)

Submission Forms PDF

FRS Sample Collection Instructions

 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS (UHR)

SUBMISSION FORM   PDF

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS (UHR)

FAX BACK FORM   PDF

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN REMAINS (UHR)

SAMPLE COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS  PDF

 

Printable Checklists for Additional Submissions:

Submission of Profiles for Inclusion in Pedigree Trees Sample Submission for Additional DNA Analysis