DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) is the world leader in DNA Paternity Testing at home, performing over one million paternity tests each year. Each test is processed at our state-of-the-art facility outside Cincinnati, providing online results as soon as 24 to 48 hours after the samples arrive at our lab and go into testing. This detailed paternity test report contains scientific as well as legal terms to describe our highly precise process and your results. Here’s a breakdown of the different sections in the report and what they mean for you and your family.
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Understanding Your Paternity Test Report
When you receive your DDC paternity test results, it may seem overwhelming at first. The report includes scientific data, terms, and complex figures that might feel difficult to interpret. This section aims to break down the report and make the results more understandable. Whether you’re seeking closure, legal confirmation, or personal clarity, understanding your test results is a crucial part of the process.
DDC Paternity Test Results Report Overview
Your DDC paternity test results report contains several key sections, each displaying important information. These sections include:
- Genetic System Table (Locus/Allele Sizes Chart)
- Combined Paternity Index
- Probability of Paternity
- Test Conclusions
Each section serves a specific function in helping to establish paternity, providing you with both statistical data and a clear conclusion about whether or not the tested individual is the biological father.
Genetic System Table
The Genetic System Table is one of the most crucial parts of your paternity test report. This table contains DNA data collected from all parties tested, and it plays a pivotal role in determining whether a biological relationship exists between the alleged father and the child.
What is a Locus and an Allele?
A locus is simply a location on a chromosome where a specific gene or marker is located. Each person has two alleles at each locus—one inherited from their mother and the other from their father. The Genetic System Table lists the loci and alleles for the child, the mother (if tested), and the alleged father.
The alleles are compared across all parties to determine whether the alleged father shares a genetic match with the child. If the mother’s DNA is tested, her alleles will also be considered in this comparison to ensure accuracy. This comparison is essential for excluding non-matching DNA segments and verifying potential matches with the alleged father.
How to Read the Genetic System Table
At first glance, the table may appear to be a list of numbers and terms that make little sense. However, each number represents the size of the alleles for the individuals being tested. In most cases, at least one allele in each locus from the child must match one allele from the alleged father. For example, if the child inherits a “16” allele from the mother, the remaining allele must match one from the father for the paternity test to indicate a match.
The table also includes a locus called Amelogenin, which is a marker that indicates the sex of each individual. A pair of X alleles indicates a female, while an X and Y combination indicates a male.
Paternity Index: Understanding the Statistics
The Paternity Index (PI) is another important part of your paternity test report. This number, which appears in the Combined Paternity Index section, represents how strong the match is between the alleged father and the child at each DNA locus.
The Paternity Index at each locus is calculated based on the likelihood that the child’s DNA was inherited from the alleged father, as opposed to a random, unrelated man from the same population group. The Combined Paternity Index (CPI) is the cumulative product of all these individual indices. The higher the CPI, the more likely the alleged father is the biological father.
For example, a Combined Paternity Index of 533,475, as shown in the report, means that it is 533,475 times more likely that the tested individual is the father than a random, unrelated man with a similar racial background. It’s important to note that this number will vary depending on the case and the strength of the DNA match.
Probability of Paternity: What Does 99.999% Mean?
The Probability of Paternity is a figure that reflects the likelihood of the tested individual being the biological father of the child. This probability is calculated from the Paternity Index and expressed as a percentage. In most cases, when a father is “not excluded” as the biological father, this probability is 99% or higher—often exceeding 99.999%. This is commonly referred to as a near-certain result, and the higher the percentage, the more likely the man is the biological father.
However, it’s important to note that no DNA test can offer a 100% probability of paternity. The calculation is based on statistical models, meaning there will always be a very small margin of error. That being said, a probability of 99.999% or higher is considered legally and scientifically conclusive.
Test Conclusions: Father or Not?
The Test Conclusion section of your report will clearly state one of two outcomes:
- Is not excluded as the biological father: This means that the alleged father is most likely the biological father, based on the DNA evidence.
- Is excluded as the biological father: This means that the alleged father is not the biological father, as the DNA analysis does not support paternity.
These conclusions are straightforward, and if you are unsure about their implications, the DDC team is available to provide further clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Common Concerns
What happens if there is a mismatch?
In some cases, there might be a mismatch between the child’s and alleged father’s DNA at a specific locus. You might wonder how this can happen if the Probability of Paternity is still over 99%. The answer often lies in the concept of genetic mutations. It is possible for a mutation to occur in one of the alleles, leading to a mismatch in the results. However, our experts take these mutations into account when calculating the final paternity probability. This means that even with a mismatch, the man can still be considered the biological father.
Can paternity test results be wrong?
Our testing process at DDC is extremely thorough. Each sample is analyzed twice by different teams to ensure there is no possibility of human error. If the test results exclude the alleged father, there is a 0% chance of him being the biological father. If the results indicate a high probability of paternity, the accuracy is nearly 100%. However, if two possible fathers are close relatives, such as brothers, additional testing may be necessary to avoid ambiguity due to the similarity in their DNA. It is important to let us know if there are two closely-related possible fathers.
Why are there no names on my report?
For at-home paternity tests, names are not included in the report. This is because the samples are provided by the customer, and we cannot independently verify the identity of the individuals submitting the samples. Each sample is instead labeled with an identifying number. In contrast, a legal paternity test, which requires court-admissible results, includes both the names of the individuals and company branding to verify the chain of custody.
Paternity Testing During Pregnancy
For expectant mothers who need paternity answers before the child is born, DDC offers a Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Test. This test analyzes the baby’s DNA, which is naturally present in the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy, and compares it to the alleged father’s DNA. While this test contains different data from a postnatal paternity test, the report is similarly structured, ensuring results are accurate and easy to interpret.
About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)
DNA Diagnostic Center is the world leader in paternity and relationship testing. Our services are trusted by healthcare professionals, government agencies, and individuals globally. With over one million paternity tests conducted annually, DDC is committed to providing reliable, accurate, and confidential testing services.
Whether you’re looking for personal answers or need legal proof of paternity, DDC offers expert guidance and support every step of the way. Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to call us, we’re here to help.
When taking the Non invasive prenatal test if the guy 1 kisses someone else and drinks water or eats before getting his checks swabbed does this affect the test? And if you had abortion in the past with another guy (Guy 2 didn’t test) does it affect your dna and the test to be an exclusion?
Hi, Sara. Neither of these would affect the results of your test.
Okay do any any infections during pregnancy or diseases affect the test? Or any infection or disease for the guy for the buccal can affect it as well? Thank you, I’m extremely worried.
I am sure I must be the oldest person who took a DNA test to confirm my father was my father. For many years my sister told me I was adopted. A friend told me about the in home test and I bought one. My father was dying in his 80’s and I am in my 60’s. My parents were married for 55 years, my mother passed away in her 70’s and a couple years ago I sat watching my father die. I had bought the test and when he was sleeping and his mouth was wide open, I swabbed him twice. Days later he died, I mailed off the DNA sample with shaky hands. A week later I returned from his funeral and not long after the results arrived in the mail. My hands were shaking and I thought, why am I doing this, what if he wasn’t my father! I would have been heartbroken and certainly couldn’t ask him questions. I opened it and to my relief he is my father and always will be. I cried like a baby and felt guilty for even wondering, but now I know for sure and if I hadn’t done it, there would never be another chance. So you siblings out there that tell your little brother or sister they are adopted as a joke; it can stick with a child forever. And for those of you who have been teased by a sibling and told your adopted and you are older, I strongly recommend testing to put your mind at ease. Thank you to DDC for confirming my dad was my dad.
What am amazing story, and thanks for sharing. So glad we could help give you peace of mind, Hannah.
Hi, DDC
I have another question in fetal DNA. If i had a miscarriage a month or two before this pregnancy that didn’t even reach 6Weeks. Is there a way they could have confused old fetal DNA with the new one? I tested around 16 weeks during this pregnancy. Thank you so much again.
Hi, Kay. No, that’s not possible. Any DNA from the previous pregnancies would flush out of your system quite quickly.
Thank you!! Also if they would have found two sets of DNA would they have stopped the testing and notified me? Thanks(:
hello I was wondering what does “can be excluded” means on the results and the probability is 59.9999% I dnt quite understand the probability
Hi, Kadia. What question were you trying to get answered with your DNA test? Was is a paternity/aunt/uncle/sibling/grandparent?
I did the peace of mind Non Invasive Prental Paternity test . I tested at exactly 7 weeks – results came back that excluded the alleged father which is what I was hoping for, but I am so fearful it is not accurate. Even though I ordered the peace of mind test, we “accidentally” went through the entire chain of command at the collections center we went to together. Id’s verified and photo copied by the nurse, all samples signed and sealed by the nurse etc. The chain of command on the test was absolutely followed. Because I am paranoid I am hoping to get court admissible test results. Do I need to do the entire process over? The records will show that the chain of command was absolutely met every step of the way. Had anyone explained to me that my report would not be signed off on or not contain names I would have absolutely chosen the court admissible test from the jump. I asked what the difference was and was told they were exactly the same – just one was official legal documentation which I do not need. I am scared my results are not accurate and really need reassurance.
Hi, Robin. Unless the case is set up as a chain-of-custody case at the time of purchase, results cannot be used for court, even if the DNA-collection site follows chain-of-custody procedure, which they often do. Once samples arrive at the lab, the testing process is exactly the same for a peace-of-mind test as it is for a legal test and you can absolutely trust the results.
Thank you! I appreciate the prompt response and am going to trust the process as I know that the samples came from the right people as wee were both there. Any sort of lab mixup is an impossibility correct? The sample #’s on the report both start with the same code and mine has -10 by the blood sample and his -30 by the buccal swab. I assume that these are barcodes that were on the samples sent in correct?
No mix-ups. The 7-digit number is the case associated with the report, and the numbers 10 and 30 indicate the role in the test, with 10 being the code for mother and 30 being the code for the possible father being tested.
Hi, I had two alleged half siblings do a DNA test with my paternal aunt and it came back 99.95%. They then did a half sibling test with me and got 99.99% to be my sister with 5 million to one on half sibling index. I tested with another alleged half sibling and she is also 99.99% but with 91,176 to one on half sibling index. How is this? Shouldn’t they share more dna with my aunt if the tests are accurate. Also. Tests were done at the same lab. And on their names they were able to insert a middle name that’s not their real middle name. How can that happen if when I went they do a id check and finger scan?? Could they not have done this at the lab they went to? They set up the whole tests over the phone FYI
Hi, Mary. The probability of relationship difference between 99.95% and 99.99% isn’t of any real significance, so you have no need to worry. As for the differences in Combined Relationship Indexes, that has to do with the strength of the matches in each test, which is bound to be different since the tests are between different people. For example, the CRI between me and my sister might be 1,000,000 to 1, whereas with my brother and me it’s 500,000 to 1. It doesn’t mean we’re any “less” related…it just means that the strength of the data that my brother and I happen to share isn’t as rare as the DNA matches between my sister and me. As for the middle names, I can’t comment on that since I don’t have all the information about it. Hope this helps!
A lab I did my NIPPT with claims that they are in partnership with you guys. I received my one page results, that has a DDC header at the top. I would like to know if there is any way I can send it to you to get it legitimized or give the company name.
Hi, Sara. Of course! You’re welcome to contact us via Messenger on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DDCPaternity/
Hi again.
I just want to make sure somethings. The Chain of Custody you guys do during NIPP makes sure the fetal DNA isn’t compared to the mothers DNA? Do you guys even look at mothers DNA? And one more thing my test says Natera at the bottom? Do they work with you? Are they AABB certified? Thank you so much!
Hi, Kaley. The mother’s DNA is used to help isolate the fetal DNA. Natera is our partner in prenatal testing and their lab is CAP certified. Our chain-of-custody non-invasive prenatal paternity test is AABB accredited.
I have some questions regarding a DDC NIPPT that i know are a little illogical but I am afraid as my due date nears. I got the result I wanted which is 99.9% my partner.
– if I was issued results that means my swabs were good? I am still worried I somehow contaminated them as I collected and sent them in for the alleged father.
– I used a partner of DDC, any lab test now, to collect my blood and send it in. There isn’t any chance that they didn’t really send it in or didn’t actually use DDC is there? The letterhead is DDC and it is signed by Debra and looks legit and like other people’s that have also used DDC.
Thank you again for providing this forum it has provided so much comfort.
Hi, Lani. You can be confident your test results are accurate.
My girlfriend just had the prenatal paternity test done and I have my doubts. We got 99.9% that did not excluded me, how accurate is this? What happens if the results are wrong when the baby is born? Have you guys had false positives before? If have, how many? Have you guys have had people trying to sue you for inaccurate result? What are my chances of these test being wrong? Thanks for answering my absurd questions.
Hi, Danny. Your questions aren’t absurd at all. Our chain-of-custody prenatal test is the only one accredited by the AABB, which means our processes and standards are the very best in the industry and we have controls in place to ensure nothing goes wrong. The only way a “false positive” could occur is if there is another untested possible father who is a close relation to the man being tested. For example, a brother or father. That’s why we emphasize that customers need to tell us ahead of time if this is the case so that we can perform additional testing, if necessary. You can absolutely trust the results and we stand behind their accuracy 100%.
Thank you for answering my questions thoroughly. I have some other questions, I apologies I just want to get every question answered I have floating in my head. My gf briefly described how the test is performed, I know how collection goes but how do they give me the 99.9% and someone else the 0%. Should we test the other guy too? How do they test the genes and if so how many are compared. I have the paper in front of me and it says Paternity determined by 1655 SNP informative loci out of 2304 tested loci for generate probability of paternity. I thought I read some where that you guys test 300,000 gene. I’m a little confused on the wording. Thank you again for reading my long message.
The chances of another man being the father when you are given a 99.9% probability of paternity are practically non-existent, unless the other alleged father happens to be a close relative of yours like your brother or father. The information you provided about how many genes are tested is correct. I’m not sure where you get the 300,000 number, because that’s not us.
I thought I read on the website something about 300,000 genes being use to get the results I must be reading it wrong. I have one last question, I’ve call to clarify how you guys get the results and its a bit confusing when I hear it over the phone can you explain to me on here how they determine the father? How they get probability? How many markers they use and what excludes a person from being the father. Thank you for answering my questions things are settling better for me.
Because the test is proprietary, I’m not going to go into the weeds about the details of analysis. But I can tell you that we analyze 2,688 genetic markers. Because we have to isolate free-floating fetal DNA, the process for testing is different than it is for a postnatal test that analyzes at least 21 markers. Once we have all the data, the probability of paternity is determined in the same way it is for a postnatal. The science on this test is sound, trusted, and published. If you did a chain-of-custody test (with DNA collection being supervised), our test is AABB-accredited.