When all other means have been exhausted, DNA analysis may be used to assist in the identification of victims.  This analysis is called Kinship DNA analysis, which is much more complicated than the kind of DNA anlaysis performed in other investigations.   Unlike criminal investigations, for example, where the goal is to get an exact match between DNA obtained as evidence and DNA obtained from a suspect, kinship analysis will never yield a direct “match.” 

In kinship DNA analysis, family members contribute DNA samples called family reference samples.  These samples are analyzed and compared with samples taken from the unidentified deceased.  Unlike criminal investigations, profiles from victim samples will not directly match profiles from family members, so the lab will develop a family pedigree (a genetic family tree) based on the DNA profiles of the family members who have provided samples.

The analysis will yield an estimate of the probability of a relationship, not the probability of a match.  Many factors go into this statistical calculation, and the usefulness of the results is directly linked to the number of available close relatives.  If there are no available close relatives, more advanced DNA testing may be needed, such as mitochondrial testing.

Collecting DNA is a quick and painless process. In order to collect a DNA sample the inside of your mouth is swabbed

Because Kinship DNA Analysis is very different from DNA analysis done in criminal investigations, it takes quite a bit longer to get definitive results. Depending on the relationship between the missing person and the family members who provided samples, the testing and analysis could take months.

The exact period of time can’t be stated due to the complicated analysis that must be done in order to reach a level of certainty for a probable positive identification. Also, some of the more complicated testing takes a lot longer than the initial tests. For example, if there are no available close relatives, more advanced DNA testing, such as mitochondrial testing, has to be done. This type of testing can take a period of months to complete.

Be assured that the State of Louisiana is working as fast as possible to get the DNA testing completed and to identify as many missing loved ones as possible.

There are some alternate testing centers available. Please contact us at 1-866-326-9393. It's is very likely that arrangements can be made for your area.

The State of Louisiana received funding for DNA testing from the Federal government in December, and DNA testing has already begun. The State Department of Health & Hospitals (DHH) and the Louisiana State Police have entered into a Cooperative Agreement for the State Police Crime Laboratory to provide technical oversight and management of the DNA Identification project.

With the help of the State Police Crime Laboratory, DHH is finalizing contracts with various companies that have particular areas of expertise in DNA kinship analysis. The Find Family National Call Center has continued to collect family reference samples either on-site at the Find Family National Call Center or at a location anywhere in the world convenient to the family. For example, we have already collected samples from several soldiers in the Middle East. If you want to provide a DNA sample, call the Find Family National Call Center at 1-866-326-9393 to schedule an appointment.

The DNA is collected on site at the Family Assistance Center in Baton Rouge, LA. You can come in anytime during our operating hours.