Understanding DNA paternity test results is simpler than most people think. Results show one of two determinations. Either:
- Test results show 0% probability of paternity. This means the possible father is excluded from being the biological father ( considered not the father)
or
- Test results show a 99% or higher probability of paternity. This means the possible father is not excluded from being the biological father (considered to be the father).
What if the probability of paternity is in between 0 and 99%?
Inconclusive DNA Results
After the DNA testing process is completed, the probability of paternity is determined based on matches between the DNA of the child and possible father. Typically, 15 markers are tested for matches, but conclusive answers can be reached with as few as six markers.
In paternity testing, any result above 0% and under 99% is considered to be inconclusive by accredited DNA testing laboratories. ‘Inconclusive’ means that no concrete answer can be reached with the current samples, neither a ‘yes’ (‘not excluded’) or a ‘no’ (‘excluded’).
There are two common possibilities that can yield an inconclusive DNA result when testing for paternity:
1. The samples collected did not yield enough DNA, or 2. A conclusive answer cannot be reached without adding the biological mother’s DNA to the test.
Insufficient DNA
Sometimes, the samples sent to the lab yield less than 15 markers. For example, this might happen if the sample is from a newborn and the person collecting was a little too gentle in swabbing the baby. Or the person swabbing got too much saliva and not enough cheek cells. Even if these ‘weak’ samples only yield a few markers, the lab can still get conclusive results if the matches between the child and alleged father are strong enough. If not, the samples may need to be recollected before the lab can get a conclusive result. However, even when all 15 markers are present for father and child, they may not be enough to determine a result without adding the biological mother to the test.
Including the Biological Mother in the Paternity Test
All humans share 99% of their DNA with each other. We rely on the unique genetic differences when we test for paternity. Sometimes, the differences between the alleged father and the child’s DNA profiles are not unique enough on their own to determine a conclusive answer (either 0% or a probability higher than 99%). At this point, testing with the biological mother is crucial to produce a conclusive result. Since the biological mother is known, including her will eliminate half the DNA the child carries, strengthening the matches between the father and child (and getting a probability of 99% or higher). Or it could eliminate enough matches to determine that he is not the father (0% probability).
Most often, IDENTIGENE releases conclusive results only when the probability is higher than 99% (the alleged father is ‘included’ as the biological father) or when 3 or more markers do not match (the alleged father is ‘excluded’ as the biological father.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you have questions about paternity tests or other DNA testing services, please contact our Client Support Center at 888-404-4363, Mon-Fri from 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time. Our friendly, expert representatives are ready and happy to help. Get answers anytime by visiting our Help Center.
A. Miller says
I can’t have my daughter suspicious and my wife might not cooperate. I have the idea that I could use latex gloves and bag an underpants (or a cutout from the bottom) from each of them or, a lock of hair. Is this a usable source of their DNA?
Identigene says
Hi A. Miller,
Cheek swabs are the ideal way to collect DNA for paternity test. It is the most sure way that we can extract enough DNA to produce a result for your DNA test. We understand there are situations when you must provide what we call a special specimen- anything else that is not a buccal swab. Special specimens require a $400 fee plus the lab testing fee. These samples may sometimes not yield enough DNA, but once they are tested, there are no refunds on processing the samples. With hair, there need to be at least 10 strands with the roots attached for a better chance at attaining DNA. Have in mind that all these samples must have proper consent from the participants, and if under 18, need to have a legal guardian sign. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions please feel free to call at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Anna says
I took a niece and uncle test and it came back 38.8% does that mean we are related?
Identigene says
Hi, Anna. It means your test results were inconclusive, unfortunately.
kellie silva says
i want my dna tested with a swab from my mother cant get my father to determine if she is my mother will it come back inconcllusive if shes not my mother but my grandmother can the test tell the difference
Identigene says
Hi Kellie,
I am understanding you are interested in doing a Maternity test? If this is the case, the test results will come back as an exclusion (not the biological mother) if she does not match with your DNA. In case of an inconclusive, we would notify you and ask what participants are available to help strengthen the test results, however, this is rare. Have you sent in any samples? It is important that you clarify what test you are interested in taking before we begin. You can let us know at time of prepayment or by writing “Maternity Test” on the order form before sending in your samples. If you have any more questions or concerns, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-8PM ET. We are more than happy to assist you!
Jen says
I took a sibling dna test with my son and his half sister . The results came back 2%. I don’t understand . They look alike and doi things the same . Same birth mark. Can it wrong . I think we did it wrong . We eat breakfast had coffee cigarettes and then took the test . We licked the one envelope we weren’t suppose to do that .
Identigene says
Hi, Jen. If the swabs had been contaminated in any way, the lab would not have issued results at all. Instead, they would have asked for new samples. Sometimes test results aren’t what people expect or hope, unfortunately.
Cass Hodges says
If a paternity testing result comes back as 96% of a match, could it be possible that the brother of the man tested coyld be the actual father? Mother child and alleged father were tested,
Identigene says
Hi Cass,
It is possible. If there is a possibility one of two brothers if the alleged father, we highly recommend having both of them tested. Before samples are received, we suggest letting our lab know that the DNA samples belong to brothers. I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any more questions or concerns, please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET. Thank you for your comment!
Lisa says
Our situation, 2 brothers possibly fathered my husband.. Huge family secret! We have done 23 and me for the fun of it with our kids, but after a fight the alleged father took the test and it only says 97% but the other brother ( and mother ) has not been tested.. Is 97% enough to say that’s his dad? Or could his brother test higher and really be his father?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Lisa. What a great question! Tests like 23 and Me are not accredited for relationship testing and their methodology is different. So no, the 97% should be taken with a grain of salt. Ideally, both brothers would do an accredited paternity test with your husband and his mother, but it’s OK if only one is willing to test. If only one tests, it’s essential to tell the lab ahead of time that there is another alleged father who is the biological brother of the man being tested. This can greatly help in the analysis. If you want more info, you’re welcome to contact our parent company, DDC, directly at 800-681-7162 (M-F, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern).
Donea says
Is there any way out if the DNA test does not match while filling for your children visas?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Donea. That is a question best answered by an immigration attorney.
Stacy says
I was adopted at birth and just recently found the man who may be my biological father. We took a motherless paternity test (because my birth mother is deceased) but the results were inconclusive. Out of the 14 markers tested, 12 were matches and two were mismatches. On the first mismatch, my # was 12 and his was 10,11. On the second mismatch, my # was 15,16 and his was 17,18. They are saying that this looks to be due to a double mutation with my DNA. The PI on those mismatches were 0.0011 and 0.0034 respectively (so not a full-blown ZERO).
Since they’re recommending additional testing with my mother and that isn’t possible, what should we do?
Can we assume it’s a positive test since there weren’t any true mismatches?
Identigene says
Hi Stacy,
Did you test with IDENTIGENE? If so we recommend you call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET so we can further discuss your results and options with a case password verification. Thank you for your comment!
Renee says
What if there is a chance that the alleged fathers dad is the father and the alleged fathers dad is deceased.
Sent out samples of alleged father and possible son and due to arrive to you tomorrow.
Could this lead to inclusion and be wrong?
Identigene says
Hi Renee,
When an alleged father related to another alleged father is unavailable for testing, we recommend to let our lab know there is another alleged father and he is not able to test. Typically, unless two alleged fathers are identical twins, there is enough differences in the DNA to obtain results. You may also want to ensure that the biological mother is tested in this case, in order to increase the chances of obtaining a conclusive result. I hope this information helps, and please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET in order to note your special circumstance. When your samples arrive you will get an email notification, that is when we can add notes to your case. Thank you for your comment!
Lina Bedell says
Hi my husband took a dna test for a child and the results came back 96 % but he assumed that meant he is not the father since it wasnt 99 %. The lab where he took the test only tested the child and my husband not the mother. So does this mean he may be the father?
Identigene says
Hi, Lina. In this age of super-accurate DNA technology, a 96% probability of paternity is not considered conclusive. A good lab would have either tested more genetic markers until the probability was 99% or higher (or 0%) and/or requested a DNA sample from the mother in order to strengthen results. Your husband should definitely not make the assumption that he’s not the father: his test was not conclusive. So what’s next? Request a new test with the mother’s participation and go through Identigene! With paternity tests, we only issue results of 99% or higher (usually 99.9%) probability or 0%.
joseph says
I have same situation
Keisha says
Same issue. My mother in law did a dna test with my husband alleged son it came back 97% , when called and ask a representative about the results she stated that means she is the grandmother .
Monica says
Is a DNA test accurate enough with just the grandmother and the baby. Father is deployed and I’m all the mother have. The test came back inconclusive. What does this mean. She’s over getting any more test done. Please help me with this.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Monica. “Inconclusive” means that a relationship cannot be conclusively established based on the data from the tests. Is the biological mother of the child available to test? That could help.
thomas says
I had a paternity test done h the results come back that I was 97.99% not excluded as the father. What exactly does that mean, I’m so use to hearing 99.99 ? I would really like to hear a concrete answer. Is the child mines or is a good possibility, help me out, please.
Identigene says
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for your patience! A 97.99% is considered an inconclusive result. Was the child’s mother included in the test? The most common reason for an inconclusive result is because the biological mother was not tested. The child’s mother can help strengthen the result in cases where the result was not conclusive. You can still add the mother if she has not yet been tested. Please call us at 1-888-404-GENE, Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM ET for more information on how to add the mother or more options to help you obtain a conclusive result at this point. Thank you for your comment!
Lacole says
My sons father swab my baby and decided to send it in a month later. The results came back inconclusive. Would this be because it was sent so much later than the actual swab being taken. Also I wasn’t included in the collection. Just the baby and him
Meisha says
Hello Lacole,
Once the sample swabs are sealed up in the specimen envelope they can be stored for up to 6 months so keeping the swabs for a month would have no affect on the outcome of the results. Inconclusive results usually occur when the mother of the child does not participate, but an inconclusive result is rare. We provide conclusive results on a regular basis when only testing the alleged father and child.
We would be happy to further assist you with your specific test results. Please call us at 888-404-4363 for further assistance, we look forward to speaking with you.
Gene says
I had a suspicion that my son was not mine. When his mother and I split up, I asked for a paternity test and both the child and I were swabbed.
The result came back 88% – According to the law of the state I live in, that percent is low enough to declare me legally the father. I had never heard of such a low percent.
I don’t know if the mother was swabbed as well. What does that low (compared to 99%) mean?
Meisha says
Hello Gene.
When a probability of paternity comes back as 88% that usually means the result is inconclusive. You usually see an inconclusive result when the biological mother of a child does not participate, but it is rare to get an inconclusive result. A conclusive percentage would be 0.00% and anything between 99.0%-99.99%. If a percentage is in-between 0.00%-99% it is an inconclusive answer. If your testing was coming back as inconclusive we would place your case on hold and request the mother be tested to help strengthen the results. Here is a link that will provide you with additional information about why the biological mother is sometimes needed to complete testing: http://dnatesting.com/including-the-mother/.
We would be more than happy to assist you with any further questions or concerns regarding the calculations on your report. This would be easiest to address by calling us at 888-404-4363 and talking to a DNA consultant over the phone. We look forward to hearing from you.
missy says
My friends results were 87.7%…the mother says it’s only because she wasn’t tested and I understand that…but is it possible that it is someone in his family other than him? There are questions about his son being the father…
Admin says
Hi, Missy! Accredited paternity testing companies will not release a probability of paternity percentage that low: generally 99% or higher. I’m assuming they said results were inconclusive? It may help to add in the mother’s DNA. And yes, it is possible that the biological father is a close relative of the man who was tested. It is extremely important for all parties to be upfront in paternity testing. If there is a chance that there is another alleged father who is closely related to the man being tested, the lab should be notified. They can then either do more extensive analysis or even additional testing, if it’s warranted.
Sheila says
My sister’s pregnant and she and unborn child took a d.n.a test with the alleged father the results were 85% what does that mean?
Identigene says
Hi, Sheila. It means the test results were inconclusive. Did they go through an accredited lab, like our parent company DDC?
Chris says
Good Morning,
I have recently undertaken a Paternity test with one alleged Father, initially just myself and the alleged father was tested, results coming back as
Combined Direct Index 0.37- probability of 27.007%
Combined First Order Index 16.7- Probability of 94.3502%
Prior Probability 0.5
We were then advised due to only having one Genetic mismatch marker, this could be due to mutation and further testing was needed, the Scientists then informed me that the probability of the alleged father being so, was extremely high with these results, but to clarify, they would need my Mothers sample, this was done, They then found more markers which didn’t match due to my Mum’s Markers taking precidence, both Mother and alleged father had very similar markers – The mismatched markers between me and the alleged father then rose to 5 (due to both matching my Mums and the alleged) this then excluded the man from being my father. Please can you advise if a retest is advisable?
Kind Regards
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. If this test was done through another company we would not be able to speak on their behalf. We would recommend you call that company to ask specific questions about your report. We would be happy to assist you with doing a second test, however if Identigene does the testing with the same participants the results will be the exact same. If you need assistance with this process or have additional questions/concerns please feel free to contact us 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. E.T. and we will be happy to assist you.
Reena says
As on your website written (quoted)
Understanding a DNA paternity test result is simple: either 0% when the alleged father is “excluded†(“not the fatherâ€Â) or anything above a 99% when he is considered to be the biological father (“not excluded). But what if the probability is in between 0 and 99%?
And also written
Typically, 15 markers are tested for matches, but conclusive answers can be reached with as few as 6 markers.
1. as you written if less than 15 markers yield suppose only 6 markers yield from the sample sent to the lab and all 6 markers have matched each other it indicates paternity inclusion 99.999% (not excluded)
2. Can’t it be possible that may have 3 to 4 mismatches out of remain 9 markers which are not yield??????
3. Or else mismatch is not possible once probability is calculated more than 99% (99.999) (not excluded)???????
4. is it called conclusive result?????
kindly clarify me on this points…………
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. I will try to answer your questions, however it can still be a bit hard to understand. I retyped your questions below and then placed my answers so you could see which was which. I hope that helps.
Question 1- as you written if less than 15 markers yield suppose only 6 markers yield from the sample sent to the lab and all 6 markers have matched each other it indicates paternity inclusion 99.999% (not excluded)
If 6 markers are tested between an alleged father and child, and all 6 are a match in DNA then we would consider that alleged father to be the biological father of the child. We cannot say for certain the percentage would come back as 99.99% as the probability of paternity is determined by the participants DNA profiles. If it is a conclusive result the probability Of paternity would be anywhere from 99.0%-99.99%.
Question 2- Can’t it be possible that may have 3 to 4 mismatches out of remain 9 markers which are not yield??????
(I am not quite understanding this question so I will try my best) If 3 or more markers tested come back as a 0.00 match between an alleged father and child then this would mean there is no match in DNA, therefore no relationship for paternity. If there is no match and the alleged father is excluded (or eliminated) from paternity then the prob. of pat. would come back as 0.00%.
Question 3- Or else mismatch is not possible once probability is calculated more than 99% (99.999) (not excluded)???????
There can never be a higher probability of paternity calculated than 99.99% (a DNA test can never come back as 100% the 99.99999% is rounded to 100%). Again, if there are 3 or more markers that are not matching between the alleged father and child the percentage would be 0.00%. If the alleged father is excluded and not the father, the percentage can never be 99%-99.99%.
Question 4- is it called conclusive result?????
A conclusive answer is 0.00% or 99.0%-99.99%. If there is a percentage anywhere in-between that is an inconclusive result. This is commonly seen when the biological mother of a child does not participate, but it is quite rare that a test actually comes back as inconclusive. Conclusive and inconclusive results are determined by the participants DNA profiles and the information or lack of information the lab can compile from the samples provided.
If you have further questions or concerns, or would like more answers to your report specifically, please feel free to call us at 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday E.T. and we will be happy to assist you.
Reena says
Dear Leslie Bryant
My questions were those
Tipycally 15 markers are tested for paternity testing
But I am taking about weak sqmple , as you written on your website that even if the weak sample result can be reached conclusive
Suppose a sample sent to the lab is weak yield only 6 markers, (mother is also tested)
All 6 markers are strongly matched betwin child and aligned father and after calculating CPI probability is 99.999% (not excluded)
Typically tested markers by labs are 15
Markers yield from the weak sample are 6.
Means 15-6=9 (9 markers which are not obtain from the weak sample)
So what about those rest 9 markers
1. All 6 markers have matched, but isn’t any chance that few markers can be
Mismatch out of those rest 9 markers and actual result can be wrong????
Leslie Bryant says
Thank you for contacting Identigene. We provide the most accurate testing available on the market today. We have worked extremely hard to put measures in place that prevent any mistakes from being made throughout the entire DNA testing process from beginning to end. This is why the accreditations we hold as a laboratory are so important.
Our goal is to provide an accurate, quality service to all of our customers. An extremely important part of the testing process is how the samples are handled and managed as they travel step by step through each stage of the testing. The strict standards and procedures we follow extend to every single part of the process from the moment the samples arrive at our laboratory to the release of the analysis report when the testing is completed.
If your results came back conclusive, the Doctors and Scientists in the lab felt 100% confident in reporting your results as 99.999% not excluded. If they felt there was any chance of a mismatch or a wrong result they would of reported that and the results would not of been 99.999% not excluded.
I hope this information helps. One of our customer service agents would be more than willing to go over your test line by line if you wanted, to help you better understand why the results were reported as they were. Just give us a call at 1-888-404-4363 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and we will be happy to assist you.
Tasha says
My husband supposedly got a DNA test done on my daughter! I know it isn’t right!!! I wasn’t there for the test! I know I hadn’t slept with anyone else, but that’s besides the point! The test came back 0.00% not the father! It was a second independent test whatever that means . There were 23 markers and only 6 of them matched and there were markers that was “0”? He refuse to get tested with me. Have anyone heard of this before!!!?? It a crazy cause he has me second guessing myself
Meisha says
Thank you for your inquiry Tasha. We always encourage our customers to be present and witness all of the samples being collected, placed in the specimen envelopes, as well as accompanying the samples directly to the mailing facility. This will ensure everyone is secure in the fact that the correct samples were sent off. With personal peace of mind tests we do not have a disinterested third party witness to ensure the correct participants DNA is being sent in to test with. Based on the samples and information we receive to test with the results are 100% accurate. In paternity tests we do not test for any other type of relationship (aunt/uncle, grandparent, etc.).
If you are not sure that the correct participants DNA was sent in to test with we can recommend having a legal paternity test done. Legal DNA testing requires that all parties go to a designated collection facility so that a Chain of Custody can be established. Chain of Custody is the process used to maintain and document the chronological history of the samples (who has control of the samples at what time). At the collection facility, you will be asked to sign consent papers, designate an address where you want the results sent, and provide personal information such as photo identification. This process prevents anyone from being able to provide incorrect samples.
The DNA profiles on the test results consist of DNA markers (usually 15) that are used to determine if there is a biological match, the same “codis†markers used by the FBI for DNA evidence. Each Marker location shows 2 alleles. Everyone receives one number from their biological mother and one number from their biological father. These markers are analyzed to verify matches between the alleged father and the child. If the markers between the alleged father and child match they are given a Parentage Index number that indicates how common that marker is among the population. If the marker is rare the number will be higher, if the marker is common the number will be lower. These numbers calculate to give the probability of paternity. The probability of paternity for inclusions must be higher than 99%. The probability of paternity for exclusions will show as 0%.
In most cases you will see some matching alleles and that is because as humans we all share common DNA. In general, the possible father and child must match at every location (each genetic system we test). If a possible father does not match the child, then we can be 100% certain he is not the biological father of the child.
I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
Reena says
How long you your keep the DNA profile after releasing the report?
first private maternity test had been done, (alleged mother and child)
After 3 years if father wants to get done the second private paternity test with mother’s agreement by comparing the same child’s profile out of first test as child is not available for the fresh sample.
Is it possible that you have kept child profile and give accurate paternity result?
Meisha says
Thank you for your question Reena. Depending on when the test was actually done determines how long we keep the report on file. If you are wanting to do a paternity test then we will need all new samples from the participants, we do not hold the actual DNA samples, just the report. If the child is not available to participate please call us at 888-404-4363 and a DNA consultant can talk with you about your best testing options.
Reena says
Dear meisha
Actualy I am from India so I can’t call you on respective numbers and I am a student of biology and doing research on DNA,
So please do me a favour as your lab is AABB accredited thats why I contected you.
Kindly give me a scientific answer that
If you have done already a maternity test than,
Is it scientifically possible with any of your testing option whether it is special case taking higher fees or something else that after 3-4 years, only taking alleged father’s sample paternity test can be done on same child who was in maternity test without taking child’s fresh sample because you are already having child’s DNA profile,
Please answer me is it possible???
Meisha says
I apologize for the late response, Reena. Yes, we would be able to do a paternity test using a profile from an older report, as long as we have proper consent. For this type of testing please contact us at your earliest convenience so that we can best assist you with your testing needs. As you are out of country, you can contact us at 888-404-4363 or at 801-462-1401.
gina says
I did a dna with my twins potential father and the results came back a mismatch for both twins I never did it. What does this mean could he still be the father
Meisha says
Good afternoon Gina,
Just to make sure I am understanding, you are the biological mother of the twins but you did not participate in the DNA test?
We always recommend the biological mother to include a sample for the testing to help strengthen the results, but the mother is optional, not required. We can do the testing without a mothers sample, and we do provide conclusive results on a regular basis when only testing an alleged father and child.
If you can give us a call at 888-404-4363 a DNA consultant would be happy to go over your specific test results with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
The web link will provide you with additional information about why the biological mother is sometimes needed to complete testing: http://dnatesting.com/including-the-mother/
As far as the results, if it reads: is excluded as the biological, the Combined Parentage Index (CPI) is 0 and has a 0% of probability, this means that he cannot be the father because the analysis shows that they do not share a paternity relationship.
Or if it reads: is not excluded as the biological father, the Combined Parentage Index (CPI) would be 100 or higher and is greater than 99%, this means that he is considered to be the father because the analysis shows that they share a paternity relationship.
Ravisha says
i did dna maternity test before three months, lab tested only 10 markers, all 10 markers have matched each other result came back inclusion CPI is 8219232, and probability of maternity is 99.9999%,
whereas generally dna labs test 15 markers and one is to determines sex,
so i asked the lab about why not tested all 15 markers?
so lab replied me because of weak sample we found only 10 markers in your sample but based on 10 markers your result is conclusive.
i have heard that only three mismatched markers can give Exclusion result,
here my five markers are not found out of fifteen in the sample,
So please tell me is it conclusive(right) result or a inconclusive(wrong) result?
Meisha says
Good afternoon Ravisha,
We would be more than happy to assist you with understanding your results. This would be easiest to address if a DNA consultant can view your report along with you. Please call us at 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you.
Garen says
Say that all Loci matched up with the alleged father except for one, yielding a paternity index of 0 at that loci. How do you calculate the cumulative paternity index? Do multiple all the paternity indexes including the 0 or do you multiple every paternity index beside the 0? Wouldn’t that zero make the CPI 0? But a 0 at one loci is not enough to exclude the alleged father.
Meisha says
Good afternoon Garen,
Our laboratory typically requires genetic incompatibilities, or mismatches, at a minimum of three loci, in order to issue a finding of exclusion (CPI = 0). For the suggested paternity scenario with a mismatch at only one locus, this would be indicative of a mutation and the PI for that locus would NOT be set to zero but would be calculated based on the mutation frequency for that locus.
I hope this information helps. If you would like further assistance please contact us at 888-404-4363 and a DNA consultant will be able to assist you.
Chrissy says
My daughter and the man I supposed to be her father did a DNAtest and he was excluded as the father,however they share the same numbers 7,8 twice and 7 once. Could it be possible that mutation occurred?
Meisha says
Good afternoon Chrissy,
We would be more than happy to assist you with understanding your results and the information provided on your report. This would be easiest to address by calling us at 888-404-4363 and talking to a DNA consultant over the phone. We look forward to hearing from you.
Chrissy says
I am not residing in the states. Could you please answer in general terms if it is possible mutation occured
Meisha says
Hello Chrissy,
It is difficult to say if there was a mutation or not without viewing your actual report. So the easiest way to provide you with the answer you are looking for is for you to call us at 888-404-4363 and speak with a DNA consultant over the phone.
Bryttya says
I have three questions
The alleged father gotten a DNA test done between him and the child.
1) if I was not involved in the testing and the lab suggested I be included for a stronger result can the test come back inconclusive?
2) 7 out of 15 genetic markers were found in the child what does this mean?
3) the prior probability was 0.50%
Is the test inconclusive or he’s not the father?
Meisha says
Good afternoon Bryttya,
We do strongly recommend including a sample from the biological mother because there is a rare chance the results will come back inconclusive without her. However, including the biological mother in the testing is optional as we do provide conclusive results on a regular basis when only testing the alleged father and the child. The web link below will provide you with additional information about why the biological mother is sometimes needed to complete testing.
The results can be a little difficult to read and understand but here are a few examples that may help:
If it reads: is excluded as the biological, the Combined Parentage Index (CPI) is 0 and has a 0% of probability, this means that he cannot be the father because the analysis shows that they do not share a paternity relationship.
Or if it reads: is not excluded as the biological father, the Combined Parentage Index (CPI) would be 100 or higher and is greater than 99%, this means that he is considered to be the father because the analysis shows that they share a paternity relationship.
The DNA profiles in paternity testing consist of DNA markers (usually 15) that are used to determine if there is a biological match, the same “codis†markers used by the FBI for DNA evidence. Each Marker location shows 2 alleles. Everyone receives one number from their biological mother and one number from their biological father. These markers are analyzed to verify matches between the alleged father and the child. If the markers between the alleged father and child match they are given a Parentage Index number that indicates how common that marker is among the population. If the marker is rare the number will be higher, if the marker is common the number will be lower. These numbers calculate to give the probability of paternity. The probability of paternity for inclusions must be higher than 99%.
The probability of paternity for exclusions will show as 0%.
I hope this information helps. If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact us 888-404-4363 and we will be happy to assist you.
Web link: http://dnatesting.com/including-the-mother/
Chrissy says
Hello Meisha
I had asked the question earlier this month if mutation was a possibility with the DNA results conducted with my daughter and alleged father. The results showed he was excluded with 0% probability.I have since done another DNA with the other guy and it is showing that there is gene mutation. It shows he is excluded with 65% probability. I would like to know the answer to two questions:
1. Is it possible for a 0% probabilty to be reached without testing the biological mother when gene mutation is present?
2. Can gene mutation be present in the child and only show when tested with one alleged father?
Thanks for your help
Meisha says
Hello Chrissy,
From your questions, we think there may be some misunderstanding about naturally occurring gene mutations and the paternity testing process. Sorry for the long (and late) response, but we hope it helps.
In paternity testing, we measure short tandem repeats (STRs) which is the scientific term for a repeating pattern of DNA at a specific location on a human gene. For example, let’s say we typically see a pattern, like GATTACA, at a certain gene location. One gene, inherited from the child’s father, the child may have that pattern repeating 9 times. On another gene, inherited from the child’s mother, the child may have that pattern repeating 11 times. On the report, the result (for the child) would show as “9, 11†and we’d see that the father’s genetic profile shows a “9†while the mother shows an “11.”
Some genes are known for naturally occurring mutations, which means the length of the STR naturally changes from parent to child. For example the father might have an STR that repeats 8 times and the child’s STR repeats 9 times. (Typically, these natural mutations are close in length; a change from an “8†to a “17†is unlikely, but a change from an “8†to a “9†or “10†is common.) This occurs routinely in genetics and some genes are known to exhibit such mutations every 3 to 4 generations.
Our scientific analysis takes into account those genes in which mutations naturally occur, the rate at which they occur, and the probability that the mutation is part of a biological relationship or indicates a non-biological relationship. In other words, our analysis determines whether a child can have a naturally occurring genetic mutation and still be the biological child of a possible father. It’s very uncommon for a parent and child to exhibit more than 2 or 3 mutations (typically, there is just one) and all other locations must match exactly in order to support a biological relationship. If a paternity test shows excluded with a “0%†probability, that typically means there were many mismatches, or that the mismatches that exist were not likely to be part of a natural mutation.
So, with that background, let’s answer your two specific questions:
1. Is it possible for a 0% probability to be reached without testing the biological mother when gene mutation is present?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, we’d expect that adding in the mother would make the exclusion even stronger (there would likely be even more mismatches between the alleged father and child.)
2. Can a gene mutation be present in the child and only show when tested with one alleged father?
Yes. We have some concerns about the report you received that “shows he is excluded with 65% probabilityâ€Â–that’s not a typical paternity result (usually, the report only shows “0%†or “99.99%â€Â, not “65%â€Â). It may be that the report you received indicated a POSSIBLE mutation, if the alleged father was the biological father. But since the report excluded that man as the father, there may not be a mutation between the father and child at all (you’d only know for sure once you find and test the biological father of the child) and we’d expect the report would not indicate any mutations (since the man was excluded).
If you’d like some help interpreting the results of your specific report, just give us a call (even if the test wasn’t done with us, we can help you understand the results).Or if you just want to speak to someone about the details of your specific case, we’re here to help.
Thanks,
Customer Support
James says
Could you give me the approximate rate of inconclusive results (overall % of tests) that necessitate maternal inclusion when only the father is included? Thanks
Identigene says
Hi, James! We always recommend including the mother’s sample as well when submitting paternity test samples, just to be safe. However, the rate of inconclusive results without the mother’s DNA is extremely low.
James says
Thanks. Could you please clarify what you mean by “extremely low”? Is that <1% father-only tests, <5% etc. I appreciate your help here.
Dicha says
I have 2 non-technical questions.
1) If our DNA test kit is registered with you online, is it possible for one of the two (or three) samples to be mailed to you in a separate envelope and then united with the the other sample(s) at your lab under the online registration code or ID # or whatever it is?
2) Does it cost extra to include samples from the mother in the overall test?
Thank you.
cengerman says
Hi, Dicha. These are both great questions, and here are your answers!
1) If you have an online case number (meaning you’ve paid the testing fee already), all you have to do is make sure the separate envelopes all have the case number on them so they can be reunited at the lab and tested properly. If you haven’t paid the testing fee yet and therefore don’t have a case number, call our Client Support Team at 888-404-4363 to pay over the phone and get your case number before the samples are mailed in.
2) Each kit contains three sets of swabs; enough to test three people: the possible father’s and the child’s samples are required for testing, but the mother’s is not. That being said, we include a set for the mom and recommend she send in hers too if she’s willing. What the mother’s DNA can do is, in the rare event of an inconclusive result, testing the mother’s sample can help give a conclusive result. It does not cost extra to test mom too.
Hope this helps!
Daniel says
I just got a letter in the mail claiming that I am the father and a dnatest was ran on the mother, father and child and said that it is 98% posative to be my child. Does that mean it is inconclusive or that it really is my child?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Daniel. Per our experts, a number of 98% is considered inconclusive. The threshold for being considered the biological father is 99% or higher.
Emma says
Hello, my question related to results that state a single mismatch and a low CPI
Could this result mean that the man tested as the father is a biological relative of the father, possibly a cousin?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Emma. Yes, this is definitely a possibility. In our reports, something like this would be mentioned in a footnote.
Julie says
My boyfriend just got a Cheek swab DNA test and the doctor told him that 71% of his genes matched and that he shouldn’t worry about it unless the percentage rate was in the 50’s or below. What does that mean? Is that his child?
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Julie! Without seeing the doctor’s report, it’s hard to make a definitive conclusion on whether or not he’s considered the biological father based on what you told us. It’s uncommon in this field to give results in the way you described. A report from a reputable lab will either give a probability of positive paternity (99% or higher, generally) or 0% probability, meaning he’s not the father. As long as each one of the individual markers has a match with your boyfriend, that’s what you need to worry about. Have you seen the actual test result or are you just taking your boyfriend’s word for it?
Joshua says
If there is a single step mutation mismatch at vWA mentioned in the footnote could the close male biological relative of the father include the father’s father [child’s grandparent] or just the father’s brother
Thanks.
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Joshua. If other possible fathers are closely-related,whether they are brothers or if there is a son-father relationship, they should BOTH test. If that’s not possible, then at the very least the lab should be alerted when testing only the one.
Joshua says
Hi, can you tell me when you do a sibling test, not paternity, [between 2 brothers and 2 separate mothers] would the same single step mutation mismatch at vWA be present in the results?
Basically could it be possible that my alleged son is infact my half brother and my own biological father is indeed the child’s father according to a single step mutation at vWA
Thanks
IDENTIGENE says
Hi, Joshua. Our lab director says they won’t see mutations in a half-sibling test, and so the mismatch you mention wouldn’t be in the results. These questions are difficult to discuss in written back-and-forth conversation. You are welcome to contact our experts at 888-404-4363 and they’ll be happy to help answer your questions. Thanks!
clare says
If u do a dna test with the alleged antie of the child and the biological mother should ot still be the same as testing the father I did a test with my daughter and her antie it came bak 6.33% wat does that mean shouldnt it just be 0% 99.9% also said not supportive of the test tested is that a inconclusive result? ??
Admin says
Hi, Clare! Testing the aunt is not the same as testing the father. The two siblings share a lot of DNA, but they’re not identical. It looks like your results were that there is no biological relationship, but I suggest you call the company you tested with and have them explain the results to you. Without viewing your report, I can only make an educated guess. Thanks!
Mark says
We did a motherless paternity test with your company and the results were 99.97%. On the test results it doesn’t show the xy results. I’m now needing a court admissible test but the mother will not agree to a paternity test. She is unaware that I have done the first test. Is there a chance the other test can come back negative once the mother is included since my result was 99.97%? I thought it had to be 0% or 99.99%
Admin says
Hi, Mark! Anything 99% or higher is conclusive. In fact, courts will generally accept 98% or higher. So it seems very unlikely that your legal test will show anything other than that you are the biological father. We can arrange your court-admissible test for you, if you’d like. Just give us a call at 888-404-4363.
Brittney says
What if two DNA markers don’t match on results, the PI is lower than 0.7 for both
Admin says
Hi, Brittney. On a paternity test, if there is a mismatch at one or more markers, that is almost always an indication that the man tested is not the biological father. Without viewing your test report in its entirety, I hesitate to comment on specifics. I suggest you contact the company you tested with and they can better explain your results to you.
Brittney says
Can I email you the DNA test do you can further explain to me?
Admin says
Hi, Brittney. I suggest you email it to the following address: info@identigene.com or you can call us directly: 888-404-4363 (M-F, 9 AM to 5:30 PM Eastern Time).
Brian Gonzalez says
Can a mistake be made with a DNA test where only the father is tested and not the child?
Admin says
Hi, Brian. It’s not possible for a paternity test to be performed without the child’s DNA, so I’m not sure what you mean?
Meesha says
Can adding a mothers dna to a paternity test that results 99.9983%, change the results. Meaning is there anyway this could be a false positive if the mothers dna was not originally tested?
Admin says
Hi, Meesha. 99.9983% is extremely conclusive, so the mother’s DNA was not needed in this case to strengthen results.
Amy says
If the questioning fathers are half brothers (same dad but different mothers) would it still be necessary to swab both? Really don’t want one to know but I’m afraid where they are related that the percentage will be inconclusive and mistaken my husbands half brother as the father when really he isn’t. So I guess what I’m asking is if I swab myself, baby and half brother will that be good enough to rule him out as the father? Hoping since they’re half brothers that it will be!
Admin says
Hi, Amy. It’s not absolutely necessary to run tests on both men. But what is absolutely necessary is that you let the lab know about the possibility of there being another alleged father and his relationship to the man being tested, OK?
Micheal says
I would like to know why is boyfriend not the father if his test came back 96% but still have to go to court
Admin says
I’m assuming you didn’t test with us,right? We don’t issue any paternity probabilities of less than 99% if the test results show the man most likely is the biological father. If you did a home paternity test, the results are not admissible in court since a chain-of-custody process was not followed. So no matter what the results were: 99.9%, 96% or 0%, the court will still require you to test again, but this time under supervision.
Micheal says
Wat do the 15 markes mean
Admin says
Hi, Michael!Here are the basics. The 15 markers plus the sex chromosome are the segment of DNA from which we get a profile for each person being tested. Each marker contains two genes: one from the mom and one from the dad. We compare the genes at each marker in the child’s profile to the genes at each marker in the alleged father’s profile. If even one of the child’s markers doesn’t contain a gene that matches the alleged father’s at that location, then we don’t consider them to have a paternal relationship. Hope this helps!
Me says
I did not receive a dna test through you guys. I had a legal test done by child support. My results came back 99.97% probability and a cpi of 3,556. i know this makes the alleged father the biological father. But my question is why is it not 99.99%? What makes a test come back less than 99.99%?
Admin says
Hi! It could be due to any number of factors. When calculating probability of paternity, analysts use specific formulas that take into account ethnic background and the likelihood of someone with that ethnicity having certain genes at certain markers. There are a lot of variables, so it’s really not an unusual occurrence.
kevin crooks says
if you hget a result of 76% paternity what does that mean regarding likely fatherhood
Admin says
Hi, Kevin. Those are definitely inconclusive results, unfortunately. An accredited lab shouldn’t give results like that for a paternity test. It should be 99% or higher or 0%. I suggest you speak again with the lab you tested with or just do a whole other test altogether. If you have additional questions, you’re also welcome to contact us directly, if you prefer. 888-404-4363. Hope this helps!
Mark says
I had a cheeky swab some and the result were 0.03 not the father is this accurate percentage
Admin says
Hi, Mark! I don’t know of any AABB accredited lab that would give a 0.03% probability of paternity. It’s either 99% or higher probability of 0% probability. Is there a possibility you’re reading your test results incorrectly? I suggest you contact the lab where you tested and have them explain your results.
Chelsea says
I did a test on my daughter and her potential uncle, because his brother wasn’t available. I did the uncle niece test. The kinship was 3.85 and the percentage was 79%. 3 of the markers didn’t match, and a lot of the markers were under 1. Would this make them related for sure or could someone else be her father?
Admin says
Hi, Chelsea. Did you participate in the test too? That can make a huge difference in whether or not the results are conclusive. Based on the info you gave, the results are inconclusive, but there’s a strong indication of a biological relationship. I suggest you consult with the lab you tested with about the results you were given as well as options you have to strengthen these results.
Roxanne says
I did a paternity test with the biological father’s brother because the father is defeated. But they assumed that his the father. Cause that day on the rest results his not the father. I’m just afraid that it might not have been accurate even though all three, mother child and uncle tested. Please help me.
Admin says
Hi, Roxanne. The child’s uncle is not his father; therefore, you can expect a 0% probability of paternity. Close relatives are not interchangeable in a paternity test; it MUST be the possible father who participates. That being said, you can test with a possible father’s brother (or a grandparent, etc.), but it’s essential that you tell the lab ahead of time what the relationship is between the child and the other person being tested. Did the lab know you were testing a possible uncle and not the possible father?
Roxanne says
Thank you for your reply. No the test was done saying that his not the father. It was a paternity test. What do I do. However there are the possibility of another man being the father but the child don’t look like him. She looks like the deseaced. I’m worried cause I honestly don’t know and the family of the deseaced needs the results for his estate
Admin says
Roxanne, give us a call at 888-404-4363 and one of our experts will be happy to consult on your situation. It’s much easier than trying to do it here in writing, I think!
Roxanne says
I’m sorry my spelling was incorrect. The test was done for paternity. But it’s the brother of the suspected father. When the test was done they said the results is the same and a normal paternity is gong to be accurate? Now I’m not sure cause it came out with excluding the uncle as possible father?
Admin says
Ah, OK. Testing the uncle is definitely not the same as testing the possible father! Although the two brothers have genes in common, their profiles are not identical. What they should have done is tested for a biological uncle relationship – big difference!
Alyssa says
I was wondering how accurate the paternity tests were in the early 90s and how easy it would have been to switch kids so that the DNA came back negative. This would have been before 94. Also, how new was paternity testing in the early 90s?
Admin says
Hi, Alyssa. Even with today’s faster, more accurate processes, paternity fraud such as what you described can still occur. It’s essential that all participants be in the same room when collecting DNA, if possible, and drop samples off at the post office together. This ensures no participants are switched up. You can learn about the history of DNA testing here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_paternity_testing
Collin says
If the mother, daughter and alleged father have multiple matching markers amongst the 3 of them (6/15), what does that mean?
Admin says
Hi, Collin. It is not unusual at all for people who don’t share a biological relationship to have alleles in common at certain markers. If you and I were tested together, we may have a match or two. What matters is that all markers for a child need to show one allele (which shows as a number on the report) from the mother and one from the father. It sounds like that wasn’t the case for you.
Collin says
Not at all! There are 6-7 identical markers, on the same line for all 3 tested. Not to mention, we all have the same features.
Julie says
I went and got me and my daughter mouth swabbed 3 times the alleged father claim he did not get his mouth swabbed he is incarcerated so why didn’t they swab his mouth and we had to go to court and they put his name on the birth certificate what does that mean
Admin says
Hi, Julie. Without seeing test results for your case or seeing the court’s judgment, it’s hard for me to comment. I would contact the court or your state’s department of vital statistics to get clarification on what happened.
Jay Wise says
I have my 3 children do dna test and the results came back as 99.999998%, 99.99999% and 99.9%. The SE33 came back as 50.25, 50.25 and 0.0201. The child that came back with 99.9% also had SE33 of 0.0201 against other children that has 50.25 each.
Should I be worried about the child that have SE33 of 0.0201 vs other children with SE33 of 50.25 as being or not being my child? The mother once jokingly said I’m not the owner.
Admin says
Congratulations, Dad. You’re the biological father of all three. The slight discrepancies in the numbers from child to child are natural.
Jay Wise says
If all human dna are 99.9% identical should I worry that my child with a 99.9% dna match may just be from another human?
Admin says
Nope. that 99.9% match is between you only and that child only.
Bobbie says
Our results were 70% what does that mean
Identigene says
Hi, Bobbie. If this was a straight paternity test, an accredited lab should only issue probability of paternity percentages of 99.9% (if you are the father) or 0% (you are not the biological father). The results you were given are definitely inconclusive. I recommend you contact the lab and have them explain why they gave you this percentage.
Ann says
If I had a DNA swab test done on two sons and one came back 98% and the other 90% are these test considered inconclusive?
Identigene says
Hi, Ann. It depends on what you were testing for. Were you testing each of the children with a man to determine paternity?
chanel strong says
hello my sister was trying to test a man to prove him to be the father and he didnt show to none of the test so she got a letter in the mail saying that the test is inconclusive. so what is her next step because she is clueless
Identigene says
Hi, Chanel. I don’t understand why she was given a letter in the mail if the man didn’t test at all? Is your sister in contact with a social worker or family-law attorney who can help to compel the man to show up for testing?
Marie says
I dated a man in 2002 and we ended up parting ways after 2 years of dating. Not even a week later I consumed to much alcohol due to being depressed we separated, I was taken advantage of that night by someone I considered a friend….. I found out I was pregnant a month later – I was afraid that I didn’t know who the father would be. I lost touch with my ex lover. But the man who took advantage of me agreed to do a DNA – we did a swab test with our lawyers back in 2005. The test came back 96.555 and MO ruled he was the biloglical father. Fourteen years later my ex lover was found and demanded a DNA – we did it and I just got it back today and it’s 99.999….. How is this possible???? How does she have 2 fathers??? I keep looking through the websites trying to find answers. We went to an actual Hospital to do the DNA with the man who used me and we did a home swab DNA with my ex lover. I’m not sure if there is a difference there! But I’m extremely devestated and don’t know what to do or how to comfort my daughter who I have raised all these years alone. I can’t get a DNA from the man the state of MO ruled my daughter father because he is in State Prison for 12 years. Please help me understand this!
Identigene says
The technology today is much better than it was in 2005 and the standards for probability of paternity are much stricter. Your ex-lover is the biological father of you child. You can be especially sure of this since the test was a witnessed one and so there was absolutely no chance of fraud.
Molly says
The court did DNA testing on my son the test came back as 99.99999 % that he was the alged fathers child (they did not test my DNA) but I did not tell them that there was another man who could be the father. Now the other man ( no relation to alged father) wants DNA testing done saying he does not trust the courts testing is it possible that the 1st man tested is not the father?
Identigene says
Hi, Molly. You can’t get a higher percentage of probability for paternity than 99.99999%! You can be sure the first man is the biological father. The other man can petition the court (if he wants) for another test, but I doubt they’d grant it.
Michelle says
Back in 1994 my now husband was court ordered to do a DNA test, as was his brother (same mother and same father the brothers have). My now husband went and had his blood drawn then the mother of the child, the child and my husbands brother went later that day or the next day to have theirs drawn. My husband came back at 99.23% and his brother came back at 0%. With them having the same mother and same father, they have to have some shared genes so I don’t understand how his brother came back at 0%. Is this even possible? I have tried to have them go back and have another test done as it’s not going to change child support etc., we wouldn’t be able to get the monies we paid back if his brother was proven to be the dad, but his brother and the child’s mother have refused. (guilty conscience maybe?!)
Identigene says
Hi, Michelle. It would appear from your account of what happened that your husband is the biological father of the child and his brother is not. Seeing as both brothers were tested, the results were most likely sound. The brothers do share a lot of the same genes, but not all of them, and the test was solely to determine paternity. That is how the lab was able to determine which brother is the biological father and which one is not.
Dale says
I was tested in 2004 in it showed I was at 96 percent to be the father so does that mean I the father or not ???
Identigene says
Hi, Dale. It most likely does. However, technology is so much better now that it would probably be a good idea to test again, if possible.
Steve muse says
What is the highest percentage of probability possible with a motherless test? Is a 99.99998 likely with a duo test?
Identigene says
Hi, Steve. 99.99999% probability is the highest percentage for any test, including a motherless one.
Toya says
I had DNA test done on my child but I wasn’t present when the father went to get it done and it came back 0.05% and he was excluded as the father but there is no other possibles I think he may have had someone else take the t st for him because they never ask for my Id so I’m sure they didn’t ask for his why did it come back 0.05%
Identigene says
Hi, Toya. No reputable lab would issue a probability of 0.05% for a paternity test. I highly recommend that you pay a little extra to do a legal, witnessed test. That way, you can be sure the right DNA is submitted for testing. Feel free to call us for more info: 888-404-4363.
Simone says
My husband did a DNA on his son and the result came back 0 percent he tested with a AAab lab but he refuse to believe the son is not his is there a way you think he could get another test done.
Identigene says
Hi, Simone. He can test as often as he’d like, but that can sure get expensive!
Simone says
I know he can test as often as he like but I would like to know if you think it’s worthwhile to do the test again.
Identigene says
Oh, I see. I’m sorry! If the same participants contribute samples again, then he can expect the results to be exactly the same. When results aren’t what people expect, sometimes they’ll test again, hoping that somehow results will be different. But the testing process is sound, and so the results are the same.
Simone says
Thank you so much
Derek says
Hello,
Just wondering why on the results of the DNA test , why it does not say my name or my child’s name ? My fiance had done the same thing for other child about 3 years ago and her results had the name of the father and the child.
Thank you
Identigene says
Hi, Derek. Although we used to put participants’ names on at-home paternity tests, we no longer do so. This is because we have no way of verifying that the DNA submitted actually belongs to the names of the people attached to them. This is why we assign numbers to the samples instead. However, if the test is a legal one (witnessed by an approved DNA collector) with court-admissible results, then we can be sure participants tested are who they say they are. Those reports have names on them. Thanks for a great question!
Lou says
I took a DNA test with my daughter and it came back that I am the biological father with a 99.9999% and a CPI of over 10 million. The only thing is that we did not include the mother. I began researching online about false positives and that even though all of my alleles match my daughters, there’s a possibility that one of the alleles could have come from the mother instead of me. What extra steps do you guys take to ensure this accuracy and reduce a false positive
Identigene says
Hi, Lou. There are two alleles at every locus. One of them HAS to be from the mother and one of them HAS to be from the father, so I’m not sure what the information is that you were reading online, but it’s not correct. Sometimes people get confused because a particular locus will only show one number, say, 14. What that means is that the allele was the same at that locus from both the father and the mother (14,14). It is definitely not unusual for a mother and father to share some of the same alleles at a particular locus. You and I probably match at some loci. What matters is the big picture: Does the child exhibit a match with the father at EVERY locus. You evidently do. That’s as strong a probability of paternity as you can get with a very high CPI…you are definitely the father.
P.S. Analysis and calculations of probability also take into account any genetic mutations, and an accredited lab will always test more alleles, if necessary, to obtain conclusive results one way or the other.
Gabriella says
My boyfriend tested for twins a boy and girl. The test came back 99.9% no to the girl but, 32% for the boy???? But, he was told he wasn’t the farther of both. What does the 32% mean? Should he retest??
Identigene says
Hi, Gabriella. Is it possible you misinterpreted results? With today’s technology, an accredited lab should only return the following results: Either 99% or higher if he IS the father, or 0% if he’s not the father. My best guess (based only on the 99.9% number you give) is that he IS the father of the girl. Where that 32% number for the boy comes is a mystery. Yes, I think he should retest with an accredited lab. He’s welcome to give our parent company, DDC, a direct call at 800-681-7162.
Kim says
I recently had a relationship DNA test done with my son and the alleged uncle (I was not included). The test results came back as a 99.9% chance of a relationship.
Note: 20/24 markers matched. I then did a DNA test with the alleged father (again my DNA was not submitted) and the results came back at 0%. Only 11/16 markers matched. I so confused how he can be related to the uncle but not the father… I would like add in as well that there is no chance that the uncle could be the father; especially since ALL their markers didn’t match exactly either. I actually feel like I’m losing my mind…
Are you able to shed some light on this situation?
Thanks so much!
Identigene says
Hi, Kim. I really can’t shed any light without having the results of your tests in front of me. I suggest you consult with the labs where you tested to see if they can help. That being said, the results of a straight paternity test ALWAYS trump the results from any other type of relationship test. It’s also very unusual to get a 99.9% chance of relationship with an uncle WITHOUT the mother’s DNA being included. Something is definitely off here. Also, was the DNA test with the alleged father a legal, witnessed one? Or was there a chance he could have submitted someone else’s DNA as his own in order to intentionally get a 0% results? Some things to consider!
Kim says
Thank you for your response!
I did call the lab, twice to confirm the results and they advised that both were correct…sigh.
I witnessed both the swab testing with the alleged uncle and father, so I know that no one could have tampered with them.
They did suggest that I take a DNA test with the brothers to confirm that I am in no way related to them, or the other option could be that they are related to the actual father…
There is not a whole lot of research online regarding relationship tests, so I’m confused how many of the markers should match and/or what the combined index should calculate too in order for a “relationship” to be established. Are you able to provide any information in this respects?
Again, I do appreciate your help on this one!
Identigene says
A child must match their biological father at every single marker. Sometimes there is a genetic mutation that may cause a mismatch, and when that is the case, the lab tests additional markers to confirm results one way or the other. The bottom line is, if the paternity test shows a 0% probability of paternity, then the man tested is definitely NOT the biological father, which is the question you wanted answered in the first place with this test.
Jen says
I would like to know my child’s biological father but not sure if the alleged father being my 3rd cousin will affect the testing results and come back positive when it may not be as we are related?
Identigene says
Hi, Jen. Nope. That’s too distant a relation to matter. In fact, it’s only .781%. So no worries!
Donna says
My mother in law did a DNA test with my husbands possible daughter. It came back 94 to 1.
Is that also inconclusive? The mothers DNA was not used, neither was my husbands. Simply the baby and my husbands mother.
Identigene says
Hi, Donna. Without seeing your report, it’s difficult for me to give a complete assessment. Sorry!
Jamei says
So my daughters father went and got a paternity test done without me and the results stated that the origin of DNA was not found or something like that so the results were 0% what does that mean. Would I have to present a sample to get more accurate results
Identigene says
Hi, Jamei. I don’t understand the verbiage of the report as you described it…have never heard that before. If the lab was an accredited one, it would not issue results if your DNA were needed to make results conclusive. Since they issued results, your DNA was apparently not needed. Since this test was done on the sly, you have reason to be suspicious altogether. You may want to ask him to do another, and this time make it a “legal test” where all aspects of the test, from DNA collection to lab submission, are supervised by an impartial witness. You can learn more about it here: https://dnatesting.com/legal-dna-testing/
denise says
I HAD A GRANDPARENT DNA TEST DONE AND IT CAME BACK WITH A 1.48 KINSHIP INDEX AND 59.7% PROBABILITY . UNFORTUNATELY NEITHER PARENT WAS AVAILABLE SO IT WAS JUST MINE AND THE CHILDS SAMPLE NOT SURE WHAT THIS MEANS
Identigene says
Hi, Denise. Your report should have stated whether or not the lab considers you and your grandchild to share a biological relationship. Since they did the test and have the data in front of them, it’s best to call them for clarification.
Evette says
can a DNA test read that you are 00.05 %, we need to know what this means?
Identigene says
Hi, Evette. If you did a paternity test (testing one child + one possible father), the only outcome you should be given from an accredited lab is 0% if the man is not considered the biological father, or 99.5% or higher if he is considered the biological father. Other relationship tests may have results with smaller percentages of probability, however. If you had one with 00.05%, then there is most likely no biological relationship. Without any context, it’s hard for me to say that conclusively, though. You should contact the lab where you tested for clarification.
Alex says
What are bands when doing DNA test as mine said I shared 33 bands with my father
Identigene says
Hi, Alex. Can you clarify what you mean by “bands?” I’d have to see your report to know what that means, unfortunately, which we cannot do in this forum. It may be that you have a test that’s using very old technology. Sorry!
Jenn says
Why would the lab have to redue a test and have u wait another 3-5 days ? Is this to verify he is or isn’t or other reasons
Identigene says
Hi, Jenn. There are any number of reasons why the lab would need more time to test. Chances are good that the lab just needed to test additional genetic markers in order to confirm results.
Alison says
I need to have an avuncular dna test to prove who my biological father is using his full brothers DNA as my biological father is deceased. My Uncle is requesting a blood test and believes the results of a blood test would be more conclusive than a swab test. I live in a different country from the Uncle and the price of testing (which I will be paying) increases 10 fold if I have to travel internationally to have the test done. Am I correct in my thinking that blood is not more conclusive because the same DNA in my blood is contained in my cheek cells that would end up on a swab. Can you tell me if my thinking is correct on this topic. If a blood test is more conclusive, I would do that.
Thank you
Alison
Identigene says
Hi, Alison. DNA is DNA, whether it comes from a blood sample or a swab, it’s all the same.
Taylor says
My boyfriend did a dna test with my daughter with but without my dna. It came back as 0%. There is another possible father but my daughter looks nothing like him he has not taken a test yet. Is it at all possible if me and my boyfriend both take the test that the results can change?
Identigene says
Hi, Taylor. The mother’s DNA is only required for confirming a result one way or the other. If you tested with an accredited lab and results were issued, then the mother’s DNA was not needed. If you used an accredited lab, you can be sure the results are correct for the samples provided.
Lisa says
My fiancé had two paternity test did on two kids (one mother). The first test for the two kids came back inconclusive and the second test came back inconclusive as well. Does that mean he’s not the father since each time was inconclusive? The mother was always present, the alleged father (my fiance), and the two kids. Why are the results constantly the same.
Identigene says
Hi, Lisa. There is no reason why a paternity test should come back as inconclusive nowadays, unless there is another alleged father who is a close biological relative of the man being tested. Results should always be 99% or higher for an inclusion, or 0% for an exclusion. If data when testing just the alleged father with the child isn’t conclusive enough, a good accredited lab will ask for the mother’s DNA sample to help strengthen results or test additional markers over and above the basic 16. Your fiance needs to contact the lab and ask questions.
Jackie12 says
My bf did a test with our son and got a probability of 0%. He was the only person I had sex with and that was the day I lose my virginity. How is that possible? He and our son only match a 3 locations the others were close. I was there I swab them and mailed them off myself so how is it possible?
Identigene says
Hi, Jackie. The science is sound and, if you tested with an accredited lab, you can be sure that proper processes were followed during tested and that the results you were given are accurate for the samples provided.
Quanchelle says
My dqughter and her alleged father took a dna test and he wont give me the results how do i go about getting the results if i didnt participate in the test?
Identigene says
Hi, Quanchelle. If your name wasn’t on the test, we cannot (per HIPAA) release any information to you. I’m assuming this was an at-home test? If so, you can’t even be sure he submitted his own DNA for testing and results couldn’t be used for legal purposes. If he’s holding these results over your head for some reason, I suggest you insist on getting a legal DNA test.
daniel says
I took a DNA test with my son. The results came back at 87%. It also said 1 in 13 people could be the father. Nowhere did it say I was excluded or included. Does that mean I am not the father?
Identigene says
Hi, Daniel. It means the results you were given are inconclusive. Did you test with an accredited lab? Because if you did this test in the last few years, there’s no reason for a lab to give you inconclusive results like this for paternity. It should be 99% or higher, or 0%. It might be advisable to call them and start asking questions or test again with a better lab.
Daniel says
Thank you
Taylor says
I have twins. We’re dna tested in 2016. With my dna and the fathers dna. Only 1 twin came back as his and the other he was excluded. What happened? Would another test work?
Identigene says
Hi, Taylor. From what you said, it would appear that your twins have two different fathers. It’s rare, but it definitely happens. https://dnatesting.com/paternity-issues-twins-with-different-fathers/
Goddess Of All says
I was told that a paternity test could be inaccurately conclusive with Asian men. An Asian man was compelled to take a paternity test. The results concluded he was the father. His wife (not the mother of the child) said it was falsely conclusive because of his Asian descent.
This seems completely illogical to me. I have found nothing online to substantiate this. Please confirm or deny this possibilty.
Identigene says
Hi, Goddess. Your instincts are right: That is complete bunk.
Patricia says
I had a dna paternity test done between myself and child and father… This was 25 yrs ago and my son looks nothing like his biological father or his family… The biological father’s wife said the test results came back as 65% the father and the rest came from me and my family… Could this test be wrong or what does that mean… I have never second guess it until my oldest daughter said my ex fiancé looks just like my son…
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Patricia. Paternity testing has improved so much since then. I suggest you test again, if possible. There are only two conclusive results that can be reached: the man tested is considered the biological father with a 99% or higher probability, or he is not considered the biological father with 0% probability. DNA is not apportioned when making a conclusion for relationship; for example as you mentioned in your case, 65% from the father and 35% from the mother. That’s not how it works. A child gets 50% of their DNA from mom and 50% from dad. Period. One word of caution: physical characteristics are never an absolute determinant of paternity. Some kids look nothing like either of their parents…what they look like can be a combination of traits inherited from both parents.
Michelle says
A paternity test was done around 20 years ago with one of my family members, I Have recently found out that the mother wasn’t tested it was just the alleged father and the girl involved that was tested. The test results came back saying that it was a 52% probability that he was the father so could not be ruled out as the father. I have been trying to get my head around the fact that I’ve recently been told that the mother wasn’t tested, is this 52% a probability that the child carries 52% of the fathers DNA and the rest would have been the mothers therefore it would have been 99% match if the mother had of been tested, I really don’t understand how it works, could 52% without the mother being test mean that he still may not be the father?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Michelle. That’s not how it works. The probability of paternity is not a straight percentage of how much DNA the child got from each parent. It’s a percentage of probability that the man tested is the biological father of the child tested. They’re two very different things. It’s highly unlikely that adding the mom to that test would have made it more conclusive one way or the other. The technology wasn’t nearly as good as it is now.
Anonymous says
What if the mother of the child accidentally put the baby’s cheek swab in the same envelope as the fathers swab so both swabs touched after being used, would this temper with the results ?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi. They could cross-contaminate each other. The lab would discover this during testing, suspend the testing, and ask for new samples without issuing results.
Ross says
Hi, I took my two grandchildren test and it came back 88.% does that mean they are full brothers or half brothers?
Thank you
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Ross. It depends on what you tested for: were they tested for a half-sibling relationship or a full-sibling relationship? Either way, the 88% is not considered a conclusive result.
Shahena says
How can we get conclusive dna result for half siblings who share same father. Father has 4 children from first wife who has died.
Children from second wife who is alive. Father has no passed away.
So now there is no father to do dna.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Shahena. Are you trying to see if all the siblings are related or just one? Who is there a question about?
Paulette says
Hi. A non invasive paternity test done at 9 weeks came back with a result of 82%. The doctor insists that this result is enough to confirm him as the father. And that had she been 10 weeks then they would’ve seen a 99% result.
From other blog comments it seems this result should actually have been deemed inconclusive? The mother’s blood and father in questions blood was used to perform the test.
May you please advise on this result? If it is inconclusive, what does that mean? Is it still likely he is the father with an 82% or should it be disregarded entirely and a new test performed. What exactly does this 82% say?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Paulette. With few exceptions, at 9 weeks there should be enough free-floating fetal DNA to get conclusive results of either 99.9% or higher, or 0% (if the man tested is not the biological father). A probability of 82% is not high enough for conclusiveness. You should definitely test again after the baby is born or, if you want reliable results sooner, do a non-invasive prenatal with an accredited laboratory. I suggest the one from our parent company, DDC: https://dnacenter.com/dna-paternity-test/non-invasive-prenatal-paternity-test/
Sanjay says
Me (Husband), my wife and my child got tested Paternity Test with 24 Markers. All the Markers are exactly matching.
The result is ‘Can not be exclude as Biological Father’ with Paternity Index : 99.99999999% & combined Paternity Index : 38,164,564,715.
There was another Alleged Father who is not tested but we both are no way related to each other. He is not agreeing to give his mouth swab for test.
I am bit worried about my test results. are my test results are accurate without his test results as we both are no way related to each other?
I heart is pumping like anything and bit nervous and anxiety.Please help.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Chances are overwhelming that he’ll get a 0% probability of paternity. No worries, Sanjay!
Sanjay says
Thank You Identigene. I have requested Alleged Father 2 for patnerity test just to make sure that his probability is 0%. As You said that he got 0% Probability of Paternity and 15 Markers out of 24 are mis-matached. Thank You so much with me in difficult time.
HomeDNA Identigene says
You’re welcome, Sanjay.
Sanjay says
Thank You so much for quick response. Now I am cool down and relieve from pressure.
HomeDNA Identigene says
You’re very welcome, Sanjay.
faith says
I”ve been tested with my child and the allege father using blood.i received results saying “there is a single exclusion at some of the 20 allele pairs that may be dues to a peternat mutation.incorporating the known mutation frequency in the calculations ,the chances of peternity is 99.999999% (only one in >1000000 males have the same chances to be the father)if close relative are also possible candidates .he or they should be tested.if not peternity is practically proven.” what does this statement mean.please help me.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Faith. It means that the lab where you tested has determined that the man tested is the biological father of the child, even though there was a mismatch at one of the markers due to a mutation. They have also advised that if one of the man’s close relatives could be the father, then he should be tested too, to make sure the results aren’t a false positive. If the other possible father(s) isn’t a close relative of the man who was tested, then you have nothing to worry about. Hope this helps!
Steve says
Hi, my wife had a cryptic pregnancy and after delivery we did a DNA test to confirm partanity and swap was also collected from my wife. The results came back inconclusive. We tried doing the DNA test two additional times but we still got the same result (Inconclusive) My doctors says it would be hard to establish partanity until my baby is 15years old. Please how is this possible.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Steve. It is not possible. DNA collection for a paternity test can be done anytime after the baby is born, and an accredited lab ours should be able to return a probability of paternity of 99.9% (or higher) or 0%.
Kim says
I had a grandparents DNA test completed (with myself and son’s daughter; neither the father or the paternal grandfather can be tested). The report stated the probability of relatedness was 8% and the likelihood that I am not a biological relative is 11:1; although the SAMPLE by the same company of how to read the report, showed an example of someone not being a biological relative as 791:1. Is 11:1 too low a ratio to be conclusive? There was nothing stated about ‘exclusion…’
Thank you
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Kim. Without seeing the data, it’s hard for me to state anything with complete confidence, but it would appear you are probably not related. That being said, it would have been helpful to also include the other grandparent and the child’s mother. With relationship testing, the more participants there are, the more conclusive the results! Have you reached out to the lab where you tested to have them clarify? If you haven’t, that would be a great idea.
Sam says
I had done swap test with my 7 month old son via home kit. AABB lab show 100% excluded. Is this accurate that child is not my or insufficient data collected could be the reason? Thanks.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Sam. If DNA submitted for testing was indeed yours and your sons and you used an accredited lab, you can trust those results.
Margarite says
I had a DNA test done in 2016 by swabbing me and my child and the father and the paternity came back 99.97% so I was wondering do that mean he’s the father???
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Margarite. Yes, the man tested is considered the biological father of the child with a 99.97% probability of paternity.
Nrdz says
In a half sibling DNA test, if the result is 19.99% that you are half siblings, does that make you siblings? Also, if a mother of the two siblings was included after and the percentage went down to a 13.8% what does that mean?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Nrdz. 19.99% probability of relationship for a half-sibling test is considered inconclusive. If a mother was included and the percentage went down, that’s an indication that the siblings are most likely not related, since additional data from a mother strengthens results one way or the other.
Carmina says
Hello, paternity test with mother included resulted in a 99.99999998 with a CPI of 7,180,582,378. On the results, 9 of the fathers alleles came back with only 1 number.
How accurate can the test results be?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Carmina. On paternity-test reports, if one genetic location shows one number, it means that both alleles are actually the same number. For example, if it shows as just 14, that means the data is 14,14. Hope this helps!
Carmina says
Thank you, sure does help.
To confirm, the results received state the father tested is the father? I wasn’t sure about the 8 at the end… 99.99999998%
Thank you for your help!
HomeDNA Identigene says
Yes, he is considered the biological father with a 99.99999998% probability. Don’t sweat the 8 at the end…it makes little difference. :-)
Carmina says
Thank you for your help!!
Sally says
If you are doing a paternity test and the alleged fathers are full biological brothers and only one is willing to test can you still find out who the father is by only testing one of them?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Sally. Yes, you can, BUT:
(1) The child’s mother’s DNA also needs to be included in the test, and
(2) You MUST notify the lab ahead of time that a different alleged father is the full brother of the man being tested. That way, they can take that information into account when performing their analysis and also test additional genetic markers, if necessary.
Ideally, both brothers would test.
Anne Marie says
If an alleged father passes all 15 markers in a paternity test, does that mean those who haven’t participated in paternity testing are excluded unanimously?
Also, if the alleged father is truly the child’s biological father, do the results have to be 99% or higher for this to be considered?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Anne Marie. With today’s technology, all inclusions should be 99.9% or higher. The odds of anyone else with the same racial background being the father are provided in the Combined Paternity Index (CPI) number. For example, if you were given a CPI of 320,555,555 then that means the chances of anyone else unrelated to the man being tested of the same race are 320,555,555 to 1.
Jo says
DNA Paternity came out 99.99999% – an accredited company from a gov.uk.co – website…. LA disputing it as inconclusive. HOW?
HomeDNA Identigene says
No idea why they would find such a result inconclusive. Perhaps the problem is that it wasn’t a legal, witnessed test?
Stephanie says
I took a DNA test with my baby father but they only tested 7 chromosomes is it possible that it wasn’t enough to get a correct reading…. My sample was not collected and the laboratory was not an accredited laboratory. What should I do?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Sounds like you should retest, Stephanie.
Megan says
I used a home dna test and the results came back negative then three years later it came back positive using a different brand is this possible even if I used a brand the first time was accredited and 4 markers did not have a match. Im not convinced that the child is his but what was wrong with the test that said 0% compared to the one that says otherwise? Both were home paternity tests.
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Megan. With home paternity tests, identities of participants are not verified by an approved witness. What we see most often in cases where the “same” people did a home test twice and there were different results is that the DNA profiles were not the same. How can this happen? When there is a 0% probability of paternity, usually one of the participants submitted someone else’s DNA instead of their own. For a home test, if all participants cannot witness each other swabbing and/or cannot trust one of the people to be honest with the DNA they submit, then we always recommend that they do a legal test instead.
Tawnie says
Is this a possible scenario?
Alleged father and two children (they have the same mother) were tested. The mother was not.
The TPOX GENE and index is as listed:
Father: 9, 9
Child 1: 8, 11 (1.3600)
Child 2: 9 (5.10465)
Shouldn’t the children receive one TPOX from each parent? If child 2 has 9,9 for that market and child 1 has 8,11 this doesn’t make sense.
I should note that we tested one child, received the test, it did NOT include this gene. We then tested the second child, we got a new report with both children listed and this gene now on both reports.
Quin says
I did a siblingship test between my daughter and her half sister. The results came back 98.1% with a 51 combined siblingship index. I was told that it is highly likely they are sisters/related but I don’t understand why it isnt 99%. I’m thinking I should just do a paternity test
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi, Quin. Because they are half sisters, they don’t share as much DNA as a father and child would or even full sisters. The tests for which we most often see 99% or higher probability of relationship are paternity, maternity, and grandparent testing where both paternal grandparents participate. A 98.1% probability of relationship for a half-sibling test is very high. It is highly likely that they share a half-sibling relationship.
Quin says
Hi! Thank you for responding back so quickly! I’m just curious as to why some people who do siblingship test for half siblings, will have results saying that they are 99.9% related?
HomeDNA Identigene says
Hi again, Quin. I’ve never seen a half-sibling result with a probability that high. That being said, I think you’re misinterpreting the meaning of the results statement. 99.9% doesn’t mean test participants are 99.9% related. It means they are related with a 99.9% probability of certainty. It may seem like not much of a difference, but it really is. The small differences in percentages (say, 98.6% vs. 99.9%) have to do with the strength of the genetic matches. That’s all it is!