OCME DNA UPDATE 2 NEW ID’S MADE
Attached is a copy of the results of the new DNA extraction techniques. Please note that we have made 2 new World Trade Center identifications. The release of the names is pending family instructions. Thank you.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
520 FIRST AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016
CHARLES S. HIRSCH, M.D., Chief Medical Examiner
T:212 447-2041 / TTY: 212 447-2086 / F:212 447-2755
April 26, 2007
Until now, reports released by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner on the progress of identifying victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks have focused on new identifications. This is the first of what will be monthly updates on the results of all DNA testing of remains recovered from the ongoing operations at the World Trade Center site and surrounding area.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is working with Bode Technology Group, a renowned DNA testing laboratory, to identify as many victims of the 9/11 attacks as possible. Bode has patented a new methodology of DNA extraction that enables the creation of a DNA profile from much less sample material than was required only five years ago.
Since January 2006, OCME has sent 1919 samples to Bode, all of which were recovered prior to July 2002, or from remains discovered in Con Edison manholes and 130 Liberty Street (Deutche Bank) between April 2006 and October 2006. We continue to send additional samples to Bode as they are recovered.
To date, Bode has tested 1551 samples, 937 samples (60.4%) of which have yielded usable DNA profiles. The remaining 614 samples yielded incomplete profiles or were insufficient, based on current technology, to generate any profile. Any samples that did not generate a usable profile will be stored and tested again if and when technological advances are made that increase the chance that these samples could yield a DNA profile that would make an identification possible. Our goal is to someday be able to identify all of the recovered remains of the victims of 9/11.
The 937 usable profiles were compared against the 11,819 reference samples and 40,557 other victim samples maintained by OCME. We were able to make 8 new identifications from 10 of the 937 usable profiles compiled by Bode. A full summary if the DNA testing results appears below:
Usable Profiles
Disposition
10
Yielded 8 new identifications.
842
Matched to previously identified victims.
62
Linked to previously recovered bone, but not linked to an identified victim.
16
New Profiles not linked to an identified victim or to previously recovered bone.
7
Profiles still under review.
937
Total usable profiles.