The Center for DNA Identification, which opened in Hanoi in July, can provide DNA profiling of some 4,000 remains yearly. It has start-of-the-art facilities and equipment that meet international standards. The center includes ten rooms for processing and analyzing DNA samples of the remains of martyrs and their family members. It also has research and development labs and areas for sample storage and examination, and a server system.
“The center’s technicians have been trained in a two-year program taught by genetics specialists from the US. Six experts from the center have also been sent to training at the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Germany,” said Hoang Ha, deputy director of the center.
“The center’s technicians have been trained in a two-year program taught by genetics specialists from the US. Six experts from the center have also been sent to training at the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Germany,” said Hoang Ha, deputy director of the center.
 The Center for DNA Identification is located in Co Nhue, North Tu Liem, Hanoi. Photo: Files  A German expert trains the center’s staff on how to operate the equipment. Photo: Files  The Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGM) system at the center. Photo: Files  At the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo: Files  The center includes ten rooms for processing and analyzing DNA samples. Photo: Viet Cuong  The toughest challenge for technicians is the decomposition of remains of matyrs after being buried for many years. Photo: Viet Cuong  Extracting DNA from samples. Photo: Files  Analyzing samples of a martyr's relative. Photo: Files  An automated DNA extraction system at the center. Photo: Files  Analyzing DNA samples. Photo: Viet Cuong  Technicians are working hard to give precise results to the families of fallen heroes. Photo: Viet Cuong |
The opening of the center has helped enhance the DNA identification of war martyrs which became a must in the process of recognizing war martyrs under a decision issued by the Prime Minister in 2015.
Before this decision was issued, the Institute of Biotechnology had identified more than 800 martyrs from 2000 to 2011. The institute also recognized about 400 remains of martyrs per year during 2011-2015.
Nearly 50 staff members of the Center for DNA Identification, including Korean citizens, are working hard to bring a spiritually valuable present to the families of fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Story: Bich Van - Photos: Viet Cuong & Files
