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.
Call Now: CALL NOW: 1.800.681.7162
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.
Hi, how many alleles need to be tested for a relationship test? Does it matter which ones? I have a test that didn’t test SE33 but tested other alleles. Does this matter? Thank you!
Paternity testing should include a minimum of 16 loci. DDC does a minimum of 20. In your case, SE33 may have been tested but the data obtained didn’t meet quality thresholds for testing. Since a result was issued, the lack of data at SE33 didn’t affect the outcome of your test.
Thank you! It was actually a different AABB company. That’s why they didn’t test SE33. I was just wondering if it mattered that that allele wasn’t tested.
Does SE33 need to be tested for a dna test? Thank you.
Does SE33 need to be tested for a dna test? Thank you.
I had a non invasive parental dna test done by yourselves at just over 7 weeks, the alleged father came back with 0.00% there’s only one other possible father so I wouldn’t need to test again would I? I am still worried about the result and just hope that is it accurate with me being just over 7 weeks at the time of testing.
Hi, Pauline. If there’s just one other possible father, then you may want to just wait and test with man #2 after the baby’s born. You can be absolutely sure the result you were given is correct for the samples we were provided to test. If you are sure man #1 tested swabbed his own cheeks and the DNA submitted was his, then you have no reason to worry.
Can the results from any AABB-accredited lab be trusted?
Not all AABB-accredited labs are created equal, but being accredited certainly legitimizes any lab.
did a half sibling test results are 29.89 Probability 96.7% . are they half siblings?
Hi, Juanita. Yes, that is considered an inclusion result.
Hi thanks for replying. There is no other possible father. I have only one partner. Does that mean I can be sure my baby has not been switched at the hospital? as all 24 of my genetic markers matched the baby and the father has only one mismatch (but no mismatch at another report of the same locus)
Yes, a 99.999999+ probability of relationship is as conclusive as these reports come.
I would like to ask for your advice. I want to do paternity test because I am concern about hospital baby switching issues. For your information, I have done two paternity test (father, mother and child) at two different AABB accredited lab. One lab report shows all locus of us matching but another lab report shows a mismatch between one locus “D22S1045” which is “18, 18” and “15,15” between son and father and “but the probability of paternity is still high which is 99.999999999953 and mention that the reason of mismatch may be due to mutation. However, another lab shows a perfect match between the same locus “D22S1045” which is “15, 18” and “15,15” between son and father. Do I need to be concern about that? They told me maybe it is because of the different kit they are using causing detection of mutated null allele. Do I need to do another paternity test at your lab? I am wondering why there is a mismatch of the same locus on another report but there is a perfect match of the same locus on another different report. I am worried about baby switching issues at hospital and all 24 of the markers of the baby matched with mine and I only have one partner. I would like to ask for your advice. Thanks
Hi, Nicole. Without access to all the data, we can only provide an educated opinion and cannot give you a sure answer. Since there is a high likelihood of paternity and no other inconsistency between the tests, there is probably no reason for concern unless there is another possible father who is closely related to the man who was tested. The difference may be due to the kit that was used, as you were told.
Hi
How common is a maternal mutation? In our motherless paternity test done at your lab, the father and child matched at all 20 loci and had a 99.99999 percent probability of paternity. I have the mother’s allele sizes from a different test. Everything matches, except the mother has one mismatch at locus D19S433. The mother ’14, 16′, the father ’14, 16.2′, and the child ’15, 16.2′. What does this mean? There is no doubt of maternity. Would this information change the results of the paternity test?
Thank you for your help.
Hi, Harriet. It is very likely that there is a genetic mutation in the maternal data at the locus you mentioned. However, since the child and the possible father match exactly, this would not have an effect on the outcome of the paternity test.
Hi,
I had a paternity test for two children, the first with Combined Paternity Index: 3,950,612 Probability of Paternity: 99.99997% and the second child, Combined Paternity Index: 2,654,805 Probability of Paternity: 99.99996%. Is there a probability that other close relative of mine, like my brother, could be the father? An if so, how would I proceed to clarify the situation (what type of test? etc.).
Thank you.
Hi, Brad, if you read your report conclusion you’ll see that the data you were given is for an unrelated and untested male with the same racial background. Chances are excellent that you are the biological father, but if you suspect your brother might be you have two options: You test again and this time let the lab know ahead of time of the possibility that your brother might be the father. This way, the lab can test additional genetic markers if necessary. Or your brother can test; he should also notify the lab that his brother is also a possible father.
Did a siblings dna test
Here are the results
probability of full siblings 0.3%
Combined sibling index 0.0027 and it says
Probability of not sharing same
Father is 369 to 1
Does this mean half siblings
Hi, Daniela. From what you provided it would appear you are unrelated.
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?
Hi,
If a maternity test results are CPI: 2,170,338,204 to 1 and probability to maternity is 99.99% does it mean that the tested woman is the mother for sure? Is there a possibility of exclusion? The samples were taken from the mother and the body of deceased child, will it somehow affect the results?
Thank you.
Hello, Tatevik. Because statistics are used in calculating a relationship, the probability of relationship can never be 100%. However, that CPI combined with the probability of 99.99% make for an extremely conclusive result. The fact that the child is deceased has no effect.
If an alleged father is deceased, can a paternal aunt, uncle or grandparent participate in a paternity test and gain conclusive results? Could the probability results be 99.9%?
Hi, Jeanette. If both paternal grandparents and the child’s mother participate, then the probability of relationship can be as high as 99.9%. With these types of test, it’s always best if the mother of the child also participates. Conclusive results can be obtained with a paternal aunt or uncle but the probability of relationship will most likely not be 99% or higher.
Are the locus shown in results marked locations of a random segment? Are the alpha/numeral combo in the column just point markers of a random segment or are they classification names of the locus?
Does the testing locus only match when the dna is sequenced and compared in the same test?
If I had my results from test of me with my child and compared the alleles at each locus of a test with a different man and child?
Hello, Matthew. A locus (or loci, plural) is a specific location in the DNA. The alpha-numeric name is included in the Locus column. This designates a specific location in the DNA.
An individual will have the same DNA results at a particular location (locus) every time they’re tested. The combination of all the results at each locus is considered an individual’s DNA profile. An individual’s DNA profile could be used in multiple relationship tests. This will be the same profile in every test.
Thank you. I was afraid I didn’t phrase the question enough to be understood, but you must be a genius at filtering. That is the answer I was wanted.
Glad we could help clarify!
I made a paternity test on my son and the person I believed is his father and it came back at 99.99991% and index at 1,204,197. Can you explain what exactly does this mean.
Hi, Lucy. It means that the man tested is considered the biological father with a 99.99991% probability of paternity and the odds of a different unrelated male being the father are 1,204,197 to 1. The blog on which you commented explains this well and you’re also welcome to watch our video: https://tests.dnacenter.com/project/how-to-read-and-understand-paternity-test-results/