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.
I was wondering the odds of missing one marker is it like 1 out of 1,000 test done you have a father that missed one marker?
I missed 3 markers on the test so i was wondering the odds i could still be the father?
Hi, Ray. Unless there is a genetic mutation, there must be a match at all markers in order for the man tested to be considered the biological father of the child tested. In many cases, there is only one mismatch yet the man is not considered to be the father. Because 99.9% of our DNA is identical as humans, it’s not unusual at all to have genetic matches with people we are not related to.
yes i understand i would like to know the frequency of genetic mutations.
Like 1 out of 100 test done. One out of a million test found ?
Oh OK. It depends on the locus…some have more frequency of mutation than others. The chances of mutation range from 1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000 or more for any given locus. The average rate of mutation for paternity-test loci as an aggregate is 1 in 500. As for the number of tests that involve a mutation, it’s about 1-2%. Keep in mind that when mutations are found, that data is taken into account when performing the analysis.
As I was taught basic genetics in school, every chromosome would have to match to be 100 percent “The Father”, but if even just ONE DID NOT MATCH, then there is ZERO percent chance of being “The Father”. You conclusions seem to be the opposite of what we learned in college – 16 markers and its 99 percent, but yet there are thousands of markers outside the 16 you test for. I don’t get it.
Hi, John. You’re confusing probability of paternity percentage with the percentage of markers that need to match in order for a man to be considered the biological father. Those are two very different things.
(1) You’re correct that there needs to be 100% matches across the board between a child and the man tested in order for that man to be considered the biological father. The exception to that rule is cases of genetic mutation. In those cases, up to 2 mismatches may occur in the basic battery of 20 loci tested, but mutations are taken into account during analysis and, depending on the data, a man may still be considered the biological father.
(2) 99.9% in an inclusion (IS the father) does not refer to the number of loci that match. Rather, it is the percentage of probability that the man tested is the father, based on the data. It’s obtained through statistical calculations when measured against an unrelated, untested man with the same racial background. Genetic relationship testing is all about statistics. Because it’s impossible to also test every man in the world with the same racial background as the man tested, a probability of paternity can never be 100%. The highest it can ever be is 99.9%+.
Thanks for your questions. I hope this answer is helpful!
P.S. There is no need to test thousands more markers or the entire genome to prove relationship. The 20 markers we test (plus the sex gene) are plenty to determine a father/child relationship.
Hello,
My daughter will be turning 7 years old in March, in 2015 (she was 2) we had a dna test done via child support division. Here is my concern only one/two of the alleged father’s were tested, this has bothered me for years. Due to her resembling much of the man that was NOT tested.
What are the odds that she could still possibly be his?!
Combined paternity index: 391,967,139
probability of paternity: 99.9999997%
Hi, Aerial. The chances of the other man being the biological father are one in 391,967,139. That’s over 300 million to 1. Those are very telling numbers. I caution you against putting too much emphasis on physical appearance…saying someone “resembles” another possible father more is very subjective.
A paternity test is about to be carried out on Mr. A (Father) and 1-6 (Children)
Their mother had an affair with Mr. A grown up son (Mr. B her step-son) for many years
If she had a Child or 2 for Mr. B during that time,
And the test is down between Mr. A and the 1-6 Children
Will the result be 99.998% for the child/children that belong to Mr. B?
Should we inform the lab that the mother had an affair with Mr. B her step-son?
or will DNA single out the child/children belonging to Mr. B
Please i need a detailed Responds.
Thanks
Hi, Adam. Hi, Sam. You definitely need to tell the lab ahead of time of the possibility that the step-son of the man being tested may be the father of one or more of the children. That way, the lab can take this information into account when doing its analysis and test additional genetic markers too, if necessary.
Thanks For your quick reply,
The paternity test is been order by the court and the Lawyer said we cant give the Lab leads.
And the result will be addressed to the court.
Assuming the Lab has no ideal that the mother had an affair with her step son and the test is done, WILL THE RESULT STILL SAYS 99.99%?
This is a real dilemma. I understand the lawyer’s point of view, but it sounds as if the lawyer may not understand the science. It really is important to let the lab know of the possibility of another father who is closely related to the man being tested. It most likely will be 99.9% or higher if the man tested actually is the biological father. But remember, that 99.99% probability of paternity is obtained when comparing the man tested to a random, unrelated male. If the man tested is definitely not the father, then the result will be an exclusion…whether or not the child might be the stepson’s is a non-factor in an exclusion.
Hi again DDC.
This will be my last question asking about this. So when it comes to first cousin both being possible fits for the father and one was only tested and came back 99.9% the father. Should the test be redone with other cousin and if he cant, what can be done? Do cousins share that much DNA for a false inclusion?
First cousins only share about 12.5% of their DNA, and for other cousins it’s even less. There is no need to worry.
When I called Natera to see if they ran my labs they said they cant find my name in their database nor do they so these types of test anymore. This is what causes more confusion to me as to why it would have that wording on there in reference to Natera. They confirmed to me that they do not run the test and many years ago they were partners with DDC but not anymore? So confused about this. If you call any lab no matter who it is that ran your labs, they will confirm they did it and provide information once you answer their questions.
Unfortunately, you were completely misinformed, Kelly. And it’s not really true that any lab will provide information once questions are answered. For example, we have corporate partners around the world who use our lab only to provide testing. If one of their clients reaches out to us directly about their test, we are required to have them contact our corporate partner instead. We cannot provide any information to that client.
I received a DNA test it shows 25 boxes or Alleles my DNA number matches 12 of those they said I’m not the Father but because of the other 13 boxes being different but there is no numbered or percentages it just says your not but how is my dna mating 12 I don’t understand the test.If I match 12 of the 25 boxes can you still not be the father just trying to learn how to read the test
Hi, James. It is not unusual for a possible father’s data to match the child’s in multiple locations just because humans share 99.9% of the same DNA. In fact, you and I probably would match at multiple locations (loci) if we were to test together. The key is that, since a child receives 50% of their DNA from dad, there must be a match between a possible father and child at EVERY locus (except where there may be a genetic mutation). Having 13 loci that do not match, therefore, means that you are excluded as the biological father of the child. The article you’re commenting on answers your questions further and this video can help too: https://tests.dnacenter.com/project/how-to-read-and-understand-paternity-test-results/
Yes, mine does say Natera on it. I’ve done a lot of research and isn’t DDC partners with Natera.
Yes, Danny. You are absolutely right. We partner with Natera on this test.
Hello,
I am from a small town. and I had a non-invasive prenatal paternity test through you guys and it came back that I am 99.9% the father. I know the other guy, he is not my brother or first cousin. But my mind keeps coming up with these stupid scenarios of being distant relatives. If that happened to be “true” could I have got a false positive? could our DNA share that much similarity? I read above that first cousins don’t cause a false positive which gives me relief is that true?
Adding to my question above..
Since I did a legal Non-Invasive prenatal test can DDC take another look at my results and see to make sure I couldn’t be a distant relative to the child? I am the only one who can be tested. or do we have to re-test..
Hi, Danny. Distant relatives have no bearing on this test whatsoever. The only way there could be a “false positive” is if the other man were a first-degree relative (father, brother, son, etc.). You and a distant relative simply don’t share enough DNA in common for it to affect your test one way or the other. No worries! You are the father with a 99.9% probability, which is extremely conclusive.
Thank you so much!
You’re very welcome, Danny.
Hey Danny..does your results also say that the probability of paternity was performed by Nstera and not DDC??
Hi. I wanted to know if the alleged father is actually the grandparent of the child, how does the result will look like? Surely not 99.99% right? I believe my ‘father’ is actually my grandfather and he is hiding things because of an unknown reason.
Can I still order this at home test and perform DNA testing if this is the case? Or do I need some other kind of test to prove he is my grandparent?
Hi, Katrina. You should start with a paternity test. But it’s extremely important to notify the lab ahead of time that you suspect he may be your grandfather instead. This way, they can take that knowledge into consideration when performing the analysis. Since your circumstance is a special one, I suggest you not order online and instead contact us directly to speak with one of our experts. That way, they can insure all the necessary info about your suspicions is included in the case notes and that the case is set up properly: 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern).
I recently purchased a legal chain of custody Non Invasive Prenatal Paternity test from DDC. In the very beginning when they explained to me how it works they confirmed DDC has it’s own lab and they do ALL the testing there and no other lab does it. When I received the results it said:
Probability of paternity was performed by Natera Inc and provides their address. Why if DDC promotes their own lab and testing? Nobody could explain that. Also, if a amniocentesis test with DNA is performed, the results should be the same correct??
Hi, Kelly. Thanks for testing with us. We do indeed perform all DNA testing here. Natera is our business partner and they provide the analysis. I wonder if you misunderstood what our team told you: We are the only lab that offers this AABB-approved test, and Natera does not offer this analysis through any other company. Of course, all data is completely confidential and is not used for any other purpose other than your test. If the DNA for the same man is submitted for a test using an amniotic sample from the mother, then the results will be the same, yes. If you have other questions, you’re welcome to contact us directly at 800-303-9085.
My concern is that on the actual results I got back, the last paragraph reads just that:
Probability of paternity was performed by Natera Inc.. then it list their address.
Basically makes it awwm as they were the ones that ran the labs for me. I can Sens you a copy if you would like. I just sont understand why Natera would even be on my results whatsoever.
I’m still waiting g on a response to this..
Hi, Kelly. I did answer your question, so I’m not sure why you say you didn’t get a response?
Should the numbers on the labels of the blood vial and buccal swabs that are received in the kit match the test number under the sample type on your report?
Hi, Robin. I hesitate to answer your question without having a conversation to determine exactly what you’re asking about. Please contact our customer-service line and we’ll be happy to clarify for you. Thanks!