Problematic Issues on the Organization of Selecting Person’s Biological Samples for Molecular and Genetic Examination

Abstract

The article is focused on the procedure of sampling as a criminal procedural action necessary for the commissioning and carrying out molecular genetic expert examination in the divisions of the Expert Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, namely the establishment and comparison of genetic traits of living and dead persons and unidentified corpses within criminal proceedings and civil cases for establishing or refutation of the fact of paternity. The purpose of the work is to provide information about human biological material that can be used as samples for molecular genetic research of living and dead people and unidentified corpses; analysis of errors during sampling of biological material of individuals for each type of samples and determining the methods of storage and transportation of research objects depending on their condition. The author has studied the legal aspects of the procedure of selecting the samples of biological origin according to the rules of identity examination and has indicated the list of documents required for sampling relatives of missing persons for the placement in the central database of human genetic traits. The author has specified the basic requirements for sampling, such as their indisputable belonging to a certain person and reliability of their selection in the minimum quantity necessary for the research. The information that should be indicated on the packaging of biological material has been described. The types of biological material that can be provided for the research as living specimens have been separately studied, namely: nails, blood, buccal epithelium, saliva, which can be provided on a piece of sterile gauze, FTA Cards, cotton, viscose or flock sticks or probe swabs. The author has also defined the persons who have the right to carry out selection from living persons, conditions of selection, drying of samples, possibilities of their long-term storage and conditions of transportation to divisions of the Expert Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Errors in selecting the packaging of biological material (catheters with heparin filling, Ames medium, polymer containers) have been analyzed. Blood, bone remains, teeth, nails and histological specimens have been studied as types of biological material taken from dead persons and unidentified corpses depending on the condition of the remains, environmental conditions and prescription of death coming.