DNA sample collection for identification

• US 20020064776A1
• Filed: 11/30/2000
• Published: 05/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: QIAGEN Sciences, LLC (Qiagen NV)
• Original Assignee: Biocell Technology LLC
• Inventors: Chiang, Sing-Tien, Liu, Ming-Sun, Amirkhanian, Varouj
• Granted Patent: US 6,645,718 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/6
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/6806 Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay C12Q1/6804 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1085 involving automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/188 Electronic negotiation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/80 for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics, e.g. flu
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 70/00 ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical references

Abstract

A process of collecting a sample of DNA from an individual for short-term or long term storage in the event that the DNA is required to identify the individual in the event of a cataclysmic accident. The collection of DNA sample from the individual begins with the completion of an application, for example for flight insurance, which is conveniently located at the airport, through a travel agent, etc. Upon completion of the application, a method of payment is determined and the DNA sample is collected. Preferably, the individual collects his or her DNA sample using a non-invasive approach such as swabbing the inside of his/her cheek and gum line. The DNA sample is then placed in a container and held in storage for a duration appropriate for the anticipated span of the activity or for a predetermined fixed term. At the conclusion of the activity, the DNA sample is either disposed of or returned to the individual for future use. If the individual is involved in an accident resulting in a cataclysmic death, the DNA is retrieved to aid in the identification of the deceased.

Claims

1. A process for identification of an individual post accidental death, comprising the steps of:

storing a DNA sample of the individual prior to a specific activity that may potentially lead to accidental death; and

retrieving the DNA sample post accidental death to aid in identification of the individual.

2. A process as in claim 1, wherein the DNA sample is stored for a period relative to the duration of the activity.

3. A process as in claim 2, further comprising the step of collecting the DNA sample from the individual with the specific purpose for the activity.

4. A process as in claim 3, wherein the DNA sample is collected at a time between the individual deciding to undertake the activity and actually undertaking the activity.

5. A process as in claim 4, wherein the DNA sample is collected substantially just before the start of the activity.

6. A process as in claim 5, wherein the DNA sample is collected from the individual using a non-invasive method.

7. A process as in claim 6, wherein the DNA sample is collected from the individual by means of a saliva sample.

8. A process as in claim 4, wherein the DNA sample is discarded after a pre-designated period after the activity.

9. A process as in claim 8, wherein the activity is air travel.

10. A process as in claim 1, wherein the DNA sample is stored for a fixed term period independent of the duration of the activity.

11. A process as in claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

collecting the DNA sample by a custodian prior to the anticipated activity; and

the individual notifying the custodian of the timing of the activity prior to undertaking the activity.

12. A process as in claim 11, wherein the custodian is an insurance company, and wherein the individual notifies the insurance company of the timing of the activity prior to the individual undertaking the activity.

13. A process as in claim 12, wherein the activity is air travel.

15. A process as in claim 14, further comprising the step of discarding the DNA sample upon expiration of a period after the travel which is pre-designated by the passenger.

16. A process as in claim 14, further comprising the step of discarding the DNA sample upon expiration of a pre-set term.

18. A process as in claim 17, wherein the travel insurance is offered to the passenger at a time when the passenger is making plans for travel.

19. A process as in claim 17, wherein the travel insurance is offered to the passenger at a time just before departure for travel.

20. A process as in claim 17, wherein the travel insurance is offered to the passenger at the point of departure.

21. A process as in claim 20, wherein the point of departure is an airport terminal.

22. A process as in claim 17, wherein the DNA sample is collected from the passenger substantially contemporaneous to the purchase of the travel insurance.

23. A process as in claim 17, wherein the DNA sample is collected in the form of a saliva sample.

24. A process as in claim 17, wherein the DNA sample is collected at the point of departure.

14. A process for identification of a passenger post accidental death arising from vehicular travel, comprising the steps of:

collecting a DNA sample of the passenger specifically for the travel;

storing the DNA sample of the passenger; and

retrieving the DNA sample post accidental death to aid in identification of the individual.

17. A process for vending travel insurance to a passenger, comprising the steps of:

offering travel insurance to a passenger for purchase;

collecting a DNA sample from the passenger at the time travel insurance is purchased by the passenger; and

storing the DNA sample of purpose of the specific travel covered by the insurance purchased by the passenger.