The Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) investigates sudden, unexpected, and unnatural deaths. The office stores DNA samples whenever they handle a person’s body.
In certain cases, you can request DNA testing on a sample from the deceased.
Eligibility
You must have permission from the deceased person’s “next of kin,” or closest living relative. The next of kin has a specific legal definition. In this case, the deceased person’s next of kin is the first person in this list:
- Their spouse
- Their adult child(ren)
- Their parent(s)
- Their adult sibling(s)
You’ll need a court order to get a DNA sample if the next of kin isn’t available or doesn’t consent.
The next of kin must complete a consent form. They also have to choose a laboratory to do the DNA testing.
DNA sample availability
The MEO stores blood samples for DNA testing indefinitely. If a blood sample is unavailable, we hold a tissue sample for one year from the date of death.
There may be some cases where a DNA sample is unavailable. Samples collected before April 1, 2017 are no longer available.
How
First, print and fill out the Consent for DNA Testing Form.
Submit the form by mail
If you’re mailing the consent form, you must have it notarized.
Mail the notarized form to:
Medical Examiner’s Office – Record Room
400 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Drop off the form in person
You can deliver a completed form in person without having it notarized in advance. You will need to bring proof of identification.
Bring the completed form and your ID to:
Medical Examiner’s Office
400 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Our lobby is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
DNA specimen release
We’ll release the specimen for testing only after we have:
- Verified the consent form or court order.
- Received a specimen collection kit from the testing lab.
If the lab performing the DNA testing has any questions, they can contact our Toxicology Lab at (215) 685-7460.
The Medical Examiner’s Toxicology Lab will not receive DNA testing results.