I have decided to include DNA samples, photos, & fingerprints of self & family in the BOB. I would hate to have to use them for identification of a family member's (or my own) body. Knowing is better than guessing. In the case of a hurricane etc., having a sample could be the difference between a funeral for a loved one or never knowing what happened to them. I am just not sure about what to sample & how to preserve it.

I would skip having any DNA sample in your BOB, as it could be lost along with the rest of your body and or ID. DNA also degrades over time. A better solution would be to contact a lab that specializes in DNA testing and deposit a sample in their repository and leave details and permission to access the information/sample with a number of individuals, such as family, close friends and your lawyer/trustee. That way if body parts were recovered it would make it easier to identify the remains from a known and well-preserved sample.

Pete

I was thinking of the no cost until needed approach.

Don't DNA tests have written results or charts or something? Wouldn't it be better to have those (maybe copies in different safe places) than the sample itself? Then authoriites could run a DNA test on the found body and compare it?

But I don't really know what I'm talking about... <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sue

Susan, you're probably right (I can't say absolutely right, because I don't know what I'm talking about, either) about the printouts, but I'm still on the low / no cost until / unless needed method. Didn't they run dna tests on the 4000 year old dead guy that they found in the Alps?

Some government information on DNA Identification:
Government DNA Info

An economical kit:
Genetic Identity DNA storage kit

Decent information on storage kits and services:
DNA services

It seems prudent for the cost to keep a set in a safety deposit box and one at home.

"Didn't they run dna tests on the 4000 year old dead guy that they found in the Alps?"

So, did they notify his relatives so they could divide the inheritance? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Sue