Paternity DNA test results explained.
Many of our clients inquire about the specifics of our Paternity Test results and how they will be presented. To illustrate the content you can expect to find in the report, we've indicated examples of paternity test reports—one indicating a positive result (Inclusion) and the other indicating a negative result(exclusion). These examples showcase the type of information that will be included in your report.
Paternity test results
The report on paternity test results is structured into several key sections, each presenting significant information.
Conclusion statement.
This section is arguably the most critical part of a Paternity DNA Test Result. However, due to the legal terminology used, it can sometimes be confusing. The report provides one of two conclusions: Inclusion and Exclusion.
Here's an explanation of these two conclusion statements:
Inclusion = If the conclusion states, "cannot be excluded as the biological father," it means that the tested male is very likely the biological father of the child. All the data gathered from the test strongly supports a paternal relationship.
Exclusion = If the conclusion states, "is excluded as the biological father," it means that the tested male is not the biological father of the child. The data collected from the test does not support a paternal relationship.​
Genetic markers Table
LAB DNA Scientific conducts paternity tests by examining up to 16 different locations on your DNA, which include sex markers. These locations, known as "STR loci," are listed in our reports.
At each of these locations, we analyse specific DNA segments called "alleles." It's important to note that every child inherits one copy of these DNA segments from their mother and one copy from their father.
Our advanced DNA testing technology precisely measures the length of alleles for each participant and compares them with the alleged father's alleles to determine the number of matches. If the mother is also involved in the test, her alleles are also compared.
In the Inclusion example mentioned earlier, the child being tested has two sets of alleles at each tested location. In this case, it's evident that at least one of these sets matches with the alleged father's alleles at all locations.
In the Exclusion example, although the child has multiple sets of alleles, some of them do not correspond to the alleged father's alleles, indicating a lack of matching at those specific locations.
What if, on a rare occasion, you receive 'Inconclusive' paternity test results.
‘Inconclusive’ means that no definite answer can be reached with the current samples, neither a ‘yes’ (‘not excluded’) nor a ‘no’ (‘excluded’).
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There are two common reasons for an inconclusive DNA result in paternity testing:
1. The collected samples did not provide enough DNA, or
2. A definitive answer cannot be determined without including the biological mother's DNA in the test.
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1. Insufficient DNA
If the samples sent to the lab yield fewer than 15 markers, it may be due to gentle swabbing, especially with newborns, or getting too much saliva instead of cheek cells. Even with weak samples, conclusive results can be achieved if the matches between the child and alleged father are strong. Otherwise, new samples may be needed for a conclusive result.
2. Including the Biological Mother in the Paternity Test
Since humans share 99% of their DNA, unique genetic differences are key in paternity testing. Sometimes, the differences between the child's and alleged father's DNA are not distinct enough for a conclusive answer. Including the biological mother's DNA can help clarify the results by eliminating half of the child's DNA, making it easier to determine paternity with a high probability or to exclude the alleged father.