Important mtDNA Information

Important mtDNA Information

It is very important for families to donate blood samples to increase the likelihood of accurate identification. These samples are very important, especially since the number of eligible donors continually declines.

Mitochondrial DNA blood samples need to be obtained from the maternal line.

All maternal relatives of WWII, the Korean War, Cold War, and Vietnam War are encouraged to contact the appropriate service.

Mother

The mother is the logical starting point since she passed the mtDNA to the missing person.

Brother

The brother inherited the same mtDNA as the missing person but does not pass it on to his children.

Sister

The sister passes the mtDNA along to both her male and female children.

Aunt, the Mother's Sister

The aunt of the missing person has the same mtDNA as the mother of the missing person.

Cousins on the Mother's Side

Cousins may be male or female as long as their mother and the missing person's mother were sisters.

Sister's Offspring

Both male and female children of the missing person's sister have mtDNA, but only the females will pass it on to their children.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

United States Air Force:

Missing persons Branch 1-800-531-5501

Mortuary Affairs 1-800-531-5803

pow-mia@afpc.randolph.af.mil

United States Army:

Casualty and Memorial Affairs Operations Center

1-800-892-2490

United States Navy:

Missing Person Section (POW-MIA Affairs)

1-800-443-9298

United States Marines

Casualty Branch

1-800-847-1597