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.
thank you
Hello,
I have a DNA test result that was done in the year 2000. That test had nine markers – CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, vWA, D12, D3, and D18.
I’m confused on the results, can you possibly tell me what they could mean as far as the putative father?
The results:
Cumulative Paternity Index – 599.87
Cumulative Probability of Paternity – 99.83%
PS
I can’t find anything that shows that the original company exists, at least, with the original name.
Hi, Mark. Based on the percentage of probability provided (99.83%), it is most likely an inclusion (is the father) result. Is it possible for you to test again using the more modern technology available today? If so, you may want to consider doing so for your own peace of mind.
Hello me and my alleged half sister did an at home dna test. The dna test report says that based on the results, the probability of half siblingship is 87.5%. And that the likelihood that we share the same biological parent is 7 to 1. So does this mean that we are half sisters?
Understanding results for a sibling DNA test is a little tricky, since there can never be a straight “yes or no” answer in this type of relationship testing. Calculations for relationships such as grandparent, avuncular (aunt/uncle), and siblings all involve statistics, and a probability of relationship is given as a percentage in the report:
90% or higher: the relationship is supported by DNA testing
9% – 89%: inconclusive result, and additional parties need to be tested
Below 9%: the relationship is not supported by DNA testing
If a probability of relationship (PRI) of 87.5% is given for your test, the result could be understood as: “There is a an 87.5% probability that the persons tested share a half sibling relationship.” The odds of sharing a parent are 7 to 1.
Delsi, your result is very close to being conclusive, so you may very well be half sisters. Adding more parties to a subsequent test, if possible, would be very helpful. If you’d like to consult with one of our DNA experts, you’re welcome to call 800-929-0847.
I took 2 paternity test with two different guys. One had 21 marker and the other only had 15 both said not the father. Why one had more than the other?
Hi, Dee. Did you test with two different companies? If so, that’s why.
What does it mean when it says combined paternity index : 0
Probability of paternity: 0%?
Also is chimerism considered during testing?
Hi, Cal. The result you provided means the man tested is not the biological father. The chances of chimerism affecting a paternity test are infinitesimally small.
Hello,
What are the protocols of the lab once they receive the prenatal swabs and bloodwork. I received 99.9% inclusion with the man I tested, and I want to be reassured that DDC has thorough, accurate handling of the results. Has there ever been typos or entering mistakes that have led to people receiving false results? How can I be reassured that DDC handled my specimens properly and didn’t mix our results up with someone else’s? Please help explain the protocols so my mind can be at ease. How can I know that my positive results aren’t mixed up with someone else’s negative results? Or that the lab just typed 99% to get it over with? I didn’t order the court prenatal test, just the peace of mind.
Hello, Lena. Samples for a test are matched by barcode at every single step during the test so you can be sure there was no mix-up. We are a highly-accredited lab trusted by private citizens, companies, and governments since 1995 and our protocols for all tests are second to none.
Are there barcodes labeled onto the swabs immediately when they reach the lab? I can’t remember there being a barcode on the swab when we used them.
The barcodes are on the sample envelopes.
I did a full siblingship test with my 4 day old daughter my 7 year old son and myself I’m 100 percent sure they have the same father but the results were 0.0002
Hi, Bee. That result is considered an exclusion, meaning the children are most likely not full siblings.
Hey my question is if the CPI is not right can the DNA test be wrong or fake. On the paper it shows 83, 266, 906 as the CPI. But it’s not right it’s suppose to be 83, 599, 491.
Hi, Tee. I hesitate to comment without seeing all the data. I suggest you contact the lab where the test was conducted. If you are a test participant, they can talk to you about results and how they were calculated.
Okay I’ve called they told me to email them then when I email they say call then back to email. But when I multiplied all the numbers it was different from what was on the paper.
Hello, I did A DNA with DDC on December with my daughter and my ex boyfriend (Antony)the results are 99.96% why does it says 96 at the end ? I’m also going to have her tested again with my other ex boyfriend (Juan)cause he just wants to make sure, This results are goin to court also, it’s this lab for sure accurate? So that means Antony it’s her dad since the results are 99.96%? Would I be worried if the lab made a mistake ? Also I want to know if I can take my daughter to go to lab again on a different time or day cause I don’t want Juan to see her he can go on a different day or time,can that be possible? Since this results are going to court also ? The collector took a pic with Antony and my daughter cause we all had went together I just want to know if Juan can go on a different time or date ? Thanks
Hi, Jennifer. Yes, Juan can go at a different time and on a different date. Paternity is determined based on statistical calculations performed on each individual test’s data points. For some people, that result will be 99.99% and for others it might be 99.96%. Either way, that is considered a completely conclusive result and should not be a matter for concern. As for accuracy, we have all kinds of safeguards in place to prevent mix-ups or incorrect results. You can be sure your report is accurate.
Hi. With the prenatal paternity test how many snps are analyzed between the fetal DNA and the fathers? And how many of these have to mismatch to determine a 0% negative result?
Hi, G. Our prenatal-paternity analysis is performed differently from a postnatal one in that up to 2,688 genetic markers are tested instead of 21. The algorithm we use for determining paternity is proprietary.
So in order to receive a 0% probability would more than 4 markers have to not match in order for the father to be excluded?
Can a brother do dna with his niece to find out it they are truly related?
Hi, Sarah. Yes, it’s called an avuncular test. However, if the niece is a minor child then the brother would need to obtain permission for testing from a legal parent. You can learn more about this test here: https://tests.dnacenter.com/relationship-testing/avuncular/
Hi I received my DNA results and just want to clarify. I did the Avuncular DNA test with myself and a poetical aunt. My results read – combined relativeness index 0.0006. The probability of relativeness is 0.1% and the likelihood that the alleged relative is not the biological relative of the tested child is 1,550 to 1.
Just to conform. She would NOT be my aunt correct?
That is correct. She is an exclusion and she is most likely not your aunt.
I received results from a full siblingship test 99.99% and CSI over 10,000. Both siblings and the mother were tested- is this result considered conclusive that the siblings share the same biological father.
Yes, that is a conclusive result.
Re: above- I received results from a full siblingship test 99.99% and CSI over 10,000. Both siblings and the mother were tested- is this result considered conclusive that the siblings share the same biological father. Is it possible that the relationship could be misinterpreted and they are actually half siblings? How reliable are these results?