Challenges of DNA fingerprinting in mass disaster victim investigations

Disaster victim identification (DVI) represents a complex challenge in mass scenarios. Traditional methods, such as the use of dental records and fingerprints, often prove insufficient due to the degraded state of remains. For this reason, DNA fingerprinting has become the gold standard for victim identification, particularly when remains are severely fragmented or compromised. However, despite its effectiveness, several factors complicate its application, including DNA degradation induced by environmental factors, the high number of samples to manage, the presence of mixed profiles, and many more. This chapter covers the methodologies used for DNA fingerprinting, underlining short tandem repeats analysis and the limitations caused by mass disasters. Additionally, it examines guidelines such as Interpol’s DVI protocols and highlights the potential of technologies like rapid DNA testing to address some of these challenges. Despite advances, issues related to sample quality, standardization of procedures, and the logistical burden on forensic laboratories remain significant barriers. The chapter calls for continued research and innovation to improve DNA-based identification strategies in mass disaster contexts.