Treat Incident As |
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Implication |
Humanitarian effort |
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Although it is important to correctly identify a sample, strict chain-of-custody procedures and documentation may not be required. This can simplify and streamline processes—particularly among multiple laboratories—but this scenario may require new sample tracking processes. |
Civil matter |
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Most mass fatality incidents have a civil component—i.e., the need to issue death certificates. Chain-of-custody procedures and documentation are required, but they are less stringent than for incidents considered as criminal matters. This scenario may allow simplification/streamlining of the sample handling processes and may (or may not) require new processes. |
Criminal matter |
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Some mass fatality incidents (e.g., acts of terrorism) are criminal matters, and therefore, they require rigorous chain-of-custody procedures and documentation. Public forensic DNA laboratories currently have established chain-of-custody systems that can be used. |