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

Unidentified Human Remains Samples (UHR) Submission Forms PDF

Direct Reference Sample / Unidentified Human Submission Forms PDF

Printable Checklists for Additional Submissions:

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