2. DNA Reference Database

2. DNA Reference Database

Pro-Búsqueda’ s DNA Reference Database is in Excel and is managed by Pro-Búsqueda’ s geneticist and the Alliance. The Excel database is comprised of several worksheets separating family DNA profiles from profiles of the disappeared persons for searching purposes.

2.1 Genetic Profiles Database

The Genetic Profiles Database contains all of the DNA profiles generated from the disappeared persons and family members who were sampled and typed. It records the following information:

The genetic profile allows the scientists to compare one individual with another to evaluate kinship and, when possible, determine identity of a disappeared person as a member of a putative family. ProBúsqueda documents and records the genetic profiles of disappeared persons and family members plus the duplicate genetic profiles from both disappeared persons, and, when necessary, family members in order to confirm identity and to ensure that no inadvertent sample switch has occurred. In addition, ProBúsqueda maintains an employee reference DNA database. This facilitates sample tracking and maintaining sample integrity.

A master file that contains all the DNA profiles analyzed. An employee file that includes all of the staff DNA profiles from Pro-Búsqueda. A file of only family DNA profiles. A file of only Persons Found DNA profiles. A file of duplicate DNA profiles from persons found, for confirmation purposes when needed (referred to as confirmation samples). A file for duplicate family reference DNA profiles, when needed.

2.2 Family tree

The DNA Reference Database (Figure 6) documents the relationship between a missing person and his/her living and deceased relatives (includes relatives that gave their sample before they died). The family member’ s name, associated sample number, laboratory number, and relationship to the disappeared person are each recorded. The information is captured to show the family relationships to the disappeared person using a family tree diagram. It should be pointed out that this Family Tree registers only those relatives for whom actual samples have been possible to obtain. Other existing relatives not yet sampled are to be found in the Interview Database and family tree thereof, entered during the initial interview of a member from a particular family. When a sample is needed to increase the kinship index ,this person is looked for and asked for their sample.

DATABASES AND RECORD KEEPING

The DNA Reference Database contains at a minimum the following information for each case and DNA sample collected: Date of entry of the case. A comment section. If family tree data has been documented (Yes or No). Interview code (E[EP3] ####). For information on the Interview Code, see Chapter III, Section A.1.5: How are families interviews tracked? Total number of samples collected for each case. Name of missing person. Sample code (M###): Code given to a DNA sample when it is collected. The code is unique to each sample and is associated with the individual’ s personal information. For information see Chapter IV, Section B.1: Collecting DNA Samples. Lab code (ES####): Unique code given to a DNA sample when it arrives at the Laboratory and is registered. For more information see Chapter IV, Section B.1.4: What are the procedures for transporting DNA samples? Relationship of each family member to the missing person (mother, uncle, sibling etc.), otherwise known as the family tree (see next section). Name of each family member providing a DNA sample.

Pictured on the left: July, 2006. Ceremony held for the first version of the Bank with approximately 650 DNA profiles from Pro-Búsqueda. From left to right: Mario Sánchez (Pro-Búsqueda), Stefan Schmitt (Physicians for Human Rights), Lance Gima (Alliance), Rachel Shigekane (HRC)