FUNDING SHORTFALL

Local DNA tests don’t count in US

Panama will have to pay $15,000 to obtain certification, for its DNA and blood tests to be recognized in the United States

MARIJULIA PUJOL LLOYD
mpujolstar@laestrella.com.pa

PANAMA. The Bio-molecular Unit of the Legal Medicine does not have all the certifications necessary at the international level for the DNA and blood tests that are carried out in Panama, which complicate matters when that forensic evidence needs to be used in other countries.

The unit chief, Diomedes Trejos said that because the laboratory has not been certified by the American Association of Blood Banks the DNA and forensic blood tests of U.S. nationals have to be carried out in the United States, although Panama has all the necessary technology for them to be done here.

Trejos said that the main problem is that for Panama to obtain those certifications it has to invest a significant amount of money.

In the case of the United States the country will have to pay $15,000 to obtain that certification. “We are starting the process through the American Embassy, but so far it is still in the system.”

“Currently when we are dealing with a case involving a U.S. citizen we take the samples and send them back to the United States for analysis.

“ Therefore it complicates matters in certain circumstances,” said Trejos.

“Panama has the certification of the International Society of Forensic Genetics and the Iberian-American DNA Group, but we need to be recognized around the world to carry out our work more efficiently, especially when other agencies like Interpol are involved.

“This is an obligation we have to honor, so that our findings can be recognized not only in Latin America, but also in the United States,” added the chief.

According to Trejos there are serious implications to not having these certifications, because in certain murder cases involving foreigners the only means of identification are DNA tests and taking samples and having to send them abroad could slow down the investigations.

“We have the knowledge, quality controls and adequate equipment to carry out the tests, but without the certifications they will not be admissible in other countries and that is why it is imperative that we invest the money to obtain them,” said Trejos.

The tests of the Bio-Molecular Unit are admissible in Europe, because the laboratory was designed and set up by a recognized forensic laboratory from Spain, which also advised the Panamanian scientists and Europe gave it the certification.

“The United States has different parameters.

“Bearing in mind the number of Americans that are coming to live in or visit Panama, it is a priority to be certified by the American Blood Banks Association,” concluded Trejos.

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