The search for martyrs is a top priority of the State. Vietnam has promoted the use of advanced technology, including DNA analysis techniques, to identify the remains of martyrs. The Army Institute of Forensic Medicine is one of the pioneers in the application of this technique.

The remains of martyrs by DNA analysis techniques was assessed by the Institute in 2003. With experienced technicians and modern equipment and machinery, the institute has successfully identified the remains of hundreds of martyrs by DNA analysis techniques.

The institute has identified dozens of sets of remains found at the same sites or the remains of senior revolutionists like Nguyen Duc Canh, Ho Ngoc Lan and Phung Chi Kien of over 70 years ago.

It uses DNA identification techniques transferred by the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory - AFDIL of the US, and previously the Institute of Biotechnology of Vietnam.

There are two methods of DNA analysis. The DNA samples from the remains of martyrs are compared with DNA samples of their relatives. The samples are kept in small vases.

The samples are put into a DNA testing device, which is connected to the computer. The results of the DNA testing process are displayed on the computer.

The time to complete the assessment lasts four to six weeks.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, a staff at the Institute, said: "This is very practical work, especially with families of martyrs in particular as well as the entire society. I love you, and appreciate the work that I’ve been assigned to do."