Collection of service members’ biological material samples – overview of the Ministry of Defence’s new initiative

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has established a process for collecting biological material samples from service members. This initiative supports the establishment of a comprehensive biological information database, facilitates prompt emergency response, and ensures the identification of service members reported missing in action. 

During martial law, the collection of biological material samples from military personnel is mandatory. This process is conducted under the Law of Ukraine ‘On State Registration of Human Genomic Information’ dated 9 July 2022 and the ‘Procedure for Collecting and Storing Biological Material Samples from Service Members,’ as approved by Ministry of Defence Order No. 438 dated 28 July 2023.

A simple, non-invasive method is employed to collect a biological material sample: buccal epithelial cells from the oral mucosa are collected using an applicator. The procedure is safe and conducted in accordance with national standards.

“The Genomic Information Accounting Center (GIAC) has been established for the registration and storage of biological samples and is now operational. The Center is equipped with the necessary resources and fully staffed,” said Major of the Medical Service Dmytro Samofalov, Acting Head of the Health Department of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. 

The Ministry of Defence has also established processes to ensure full compliance with the law’s requirements. In particular, processes for collecting biological material samples have been established in military units, training centers, and  Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centres; the registration and storage of collected samples are ensured; and procedures have been set up to transfer data to representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine within the framework of criminal investigations.

To provide a biological material sample, a service member is required to:

• submit a request for biological material sample collection, providing consent for the processing of personal data;
• verify their identity and complete a registration form;
• undergo a briefing;
• collect biological material sample independently, but in the presence and under the supervision of an authorized person.

The data obtained will be recorded and stored in the log of collected biological material samples. 

The Ministry of Defence is also actively cooperating with international humanitarian organizations to obtain sample collection systems as humanitarian aid. As a result, in 2024–2025, the Ministry of Defence received equipment from international partners, covering nearly half of the ministry’s total requirements. 

To raise awareness among service members about the importance and benefits of providing biological material samples, the Ministry of Defence implemented a communication strategy campaign. As a result, the total number of biological material samples collected from service members has increased more than eight times compared to the figures at the end of March.