Beginning in Jun 98, the Armed Forces Repository of Specimen Samples for the Identification of Remains (AFRSSIR) implemented a rejected specimen program to assist units in the field in identifying service members whose DNA reference specimens were not accessioned into the Repository.

Typical reasons for a specimen to not be accessioned (entered) into the Repository include:

• Missing, incomplete or incorrect Social Security Number
• Insufficient or no blood on specimen card
• Filter paper containing blood separated from specimen card
• Excessive fungus growth due to incomplete drying at collection

When a specimen is rejected by the Repository, the unit where the specimen was collected will receive written notification, which consists of a letter and list of rejected specimens by service member name and social security number. The specimen(s) will have to be recollected by the unit. The rejected specimen(s) previously sent to the Repository are destroyed and not returned to the collection unit.