Note: This is a paternity test results example and is not your actual DNA test results. It is provided solely as a guide to help you understand how to read and interpret a paternity test report.
Your paternity DNA test report contains scientific terminology and legal language that can be difficult to interpret without guidance. This guide breaks down every section of your report - from the conclusion statement to the allele data table - so you can understand exactly what your results mean and how the lab reached its determination.
Key Takeaways
- "Cannot be excluded" means the tested man IS the biological father. "Is excluded" means he IS NOT.
- A probability of 99.99% or higher is considered conclusive confirmation of paternity by accredited laboratories.
- The Combined Paternity Index (CPI) is the statistical backbone of your result - it represents how many times more likely the tested man is to be the father compared to a random unrelated man.
- Labs test 24 DNA markers and compare the alleles (genetic values) between father and child. At least one allele must match at each marker for an inclusion result.
- A single-marker mismatch does not automatically mean exclusion - natural mutations happen, and qualified labs account for them statistically before reaching a conclusion.
What Do Paternity Test Results Mean?
The most important part of your paternity test report is the conclusion statement. This is where the lab tells you, in clear terms, whether a biological father-child relationship exists.
Every paternity test ends in one of two outcomes.
"The alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father" - This means the DNA evidence supports that the tested man IS the biological father. The wording sounds cautious because the lab expresses results in scientific terms, but the meaning is straightforward: paternity is confirmed.
"The alleged father is excluded from paternity" - This means the tested man IS NOT the biological father. The DNA profiles do not match, and there is no biological father-child relationship.
These two phrases will appear near the top of your report, typically in a section labeled Conclusion. If you only read one part of your report, this is the one that matters most. Everything else in the document - the data table, the Paternity Index, the probability percentage - is the scientific evidence the lab used to reach that conclusion.
What Does a Positive (Inclusion) Paternity Test Result Look Like?
When the tested man is confirmed as the biological father, the report will show three things working together: the conclusion statement, a high Combined Paternity Index, and a probability of paternity at or above 99.99%.
Here is an example of what a complete inclusion report looks like:
In this example, the conclusion reads: "The alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father of the child."
The Paternity Likelihood (also called the odds ratio) is 452,409,131. That number means the tested man is over 452 million times more likely to be the biological father than a random, unrelated man of the same racial background. The higher this number, the stronger the DNA evidence.
The Probability of Paternity is 99.99%. This percentage is calculated from the Paternity Likelihood and represents the statistical certainty that the tested man is the biological father.
When you see a probability of 99.99% or higher combined with a CPI in the hundreds of thousands or millions, the result is considered conclusive. Accredited laboratories and courts treat this level of certainty as confirmation of paternity.
Why Does the Report Say "Cannot Be Excluded" Instead of "Is the Father"?
This is one of the most common questions people have after reading their results.
The answer is rooted in how DNA science works. A paternity test compares the tested man's DNA to the child's DNA and calculates the statistical likelihood that they share a biological relationship. Because the lab cannot physically test every other man in the world, it cannot state with absolute mathematical certainty that no other man could match.
In practice, though, a 99.99% result is as close to certain as science gets. The "cannot be excluded" phrasing is a scientific convention, not an expression of doubt. If your report says the alleged father cannot be excluded, the lab is confirming paternity.
What Does a Negative (Exclusion) Paternity Test Result Look Like?
An exclusion result is more straightforward than an inclusion. When the tested man is NOT the biological father, the report will show:
- A conclusion stating "The alleged father is excluded from paternity"
- A Combined Paternity Index of 0
- A Probability of Paternity of 0.00%
In an exclusion case, the child's DNA does not match the alleged father's DNA at multiple markers across the data table. When the lab finds mismatches at three or more markers, the result is a definitive exclusion - there is no statistical ambiguity.
Unlike inclusion results, which rely on probability, an exclusion is absolute. A 0% probability means the tested man has been scientifically ruled out as the biological father. There is no gray area.
Accredited laboratories, including the AABB-accredited lab partner used by My Forever DNA, test all exclusion results twice to ensure accuracy before releasing the report.
How to Read the DNA Marker Table (Alleles Explained)
The data table is the technical core of your paternity test report. It contains the raw DNA comparison between the tested participants, and it is where the lab identifies the genetic matches (or mismatches) that determine the final result.
Here is a closer look at the data table from an inclusion result:
At My Forever DNA, our AABB-accredited, CAP-certified lab partner analyzes 24 specific DNA locations for each person tested. Each of these locations is called a marker (also referred to as a locus). At every marker, each person has two genetic values called alleles - one inherited from their mother and one from their biological father.
The table is structured with three main columns:
- 1AF - the two alleles belonging to the alleged father
- 1C - the two alleles belonging to the child
- PI - the Paternity Index score for that specific marker
How to Read a Row in the Table
Take the first marker in the example, D3S1358. The alleged father's alleles are 16 and 17. The child's alleles are also 16 and 17. At least one of the child's alleles matches one of the father's alleles at this marker, so this marker supports paternity. The red circles in the image highlight these matching values.
Now look at D1S1656. The father's alleles are 14.2 and 14.3. The child's alleles are 13.3 and 14.3. The child's 14.3 matches the father's 14.3 - another supporting match.
For paternity to be confirmed, at least one allele must match between father and child at most or all of the 24 markers tested. When every marker shows at least one match, the result strongly supports that the tested man is the biological father.
What Is the AMEL (Amelogenin) Row?
The first row in the table, labeled AMEL, is the sex-determination marker. It does not factor into the paternity calculation - its purpose is to confirm the biological sex of each participant.
- X, Y = male
- X, X = female
In the example, the alleged father shows X, Y (male) and the child shows X (which indicates one sex chromosome was inherited from each parent). The PI column shows N/A for AMEL because this marker is not used in the paternity index calculation.
What Is the Difference Between Loci, Markers, and Alleles?
These three terms appear throughout paternity test reports, and they are often used interchangeably in casual discussion. Here is what each one actually means:
Locus (plural: loci) is the specific location on a chromosome where a particular piece of DNA sits. Think of it as a street address on the genome.
Marker is the term used in paternity testing for a locus that the lab specifically chose because it varies enough between individuals to be useful for identification. In everyday paternity testing language, "marker" and "locus" mean the same thing.
Allele is the actual genetic value found at a marker. Every person carries two alleles for each marker - one from their mother and one from their biological father. In the data table, alleles appear as the numbers listed under each participant's column. These numbers represent the length of specific DNA sequences called short tandem repeats (STRs), which vary from person to person.
What Is the Combined Paternity Index (CPI)?
The Combined Paternity Index is the single most important statistic in your paternity report. It tells you how much stronger the DNA evidence is for paternity compared to random chance.
Here is how the CPI is calculated:
The lab first computes a Paternity Index (PI) for each individual marker. You can see these values in the far-right column of the data table - numbers like 1.96, 34.20, 3.64, 4.71, and so on. Each PI represents the likelihood that the allele match at that specific marker came from a true father-child relationship rather than coincidence.
The lab then multiplies all of the individual PI values together across all 24 markers to produce the Combined Paternity Index. This multiplication is why the CPI can reach such large numbers - even modest per-marker PI values compound quickly when multiplied across 24 locations.
In the example report, the CPI is 452,409,131. That means the tested man is approximately 452 million times more likely to be the biological father than a random, unrelated man from the same ethnic population. The CPI is then converted into the Probability of Paternity percentage using a standard statistical formula.
What CPI Values Mean in Practice
A CPI above 100 is generally considered strong evidence of paternity. Most confirmed paternity cases produce CPIs in the hundreds of thousands or millions. A CPI of 0 means the tested man is excluded - no biological relationship exists.
The PI column in the data table also helps identify which markers provided the strongest evidence. In the example, marker D1S1656 has a PI of 34.20, meaning that particular marker alone provided very strong evidence of paternity. Marker TH01 has a PI of 0.61, which is below 1.0 - this can happen even in true paternity cases and does not indicate a problem on its own. The CPI accounts for variation across all markers.
What Does 99.99% Probability of Paternity Mean?
The Probability of Paternity is the number most people look at first, and for good reason - it expresses the test result as a simple percentage.
A probability of 99.99% or higher means the tested man is confirmed as the biological father. A probability of 0.00% means he is excluded.
The percentage is derived from the Combined Paternity Index using a formula that assumes a prior probability of 0.5 (50/50 odds) before any DNA evidence is considered. You may see this noted on your report as "a prior probability of 0.5 was assumed." This is a standard statistical starting point used by accredited labs worldwide. It means the calculation begins with no assumption either way - the DNA evidence alone determines the final probability.
Can the Probability of Paternity Ever Be 100%?
No. A 100% probability would require testing and excluding every other man in the same ethnic population as the alleged father. Since that is not physically possible, the result is always expressed as 99.99% or 99.9999% rather than an absolute 100%.
In practice, this distinction is purely mathematical. Courts, government agencies, and accredited laboratories all treat 99.99% or higher as conclusive confirmation of paternity. There is no meaningful difference between 99.99% and 100% in terms of what the result means for you and your family.
What About Mutations? Can There Be a Mismatch and Still Confirm Paternity?
Yes. It is possible for one or two markers to show a mismatch between father and child even when the man is the true biological father. This happens because of natural genetic mutations - small, random changes in DNA that occur during reproduction.
Mutations are normal and relatively common. They do not mean the test is flawed or that the result is unreliable. When a mutation occurs at a marker, the child's allele at that location will be slightly different from what the father passed down, even though paternity is genuine.
Here is how labs handle mutations:
The lab's analysts identify any markers where the alleles do not match. If only one or two markers show a mismatch while the remaining 22-23 markers all match strongly, the lab applies a mutation rate adjustment to the statistical calculation. The known mutation rate for each specific DNA marker is factored into the Paternity Index, and the final CPI and probability are adjusted accordingly.
In most cases, a single-marker mutation will still produce a CPI in the hundreds of thousands and a probability above 99.99%. The result remains conclusive.
However, if three or more markers show mismatches, the lab will classify the result as an exclusion. Multiple mismatches across the data table indicate that the tested man is not the biological father, and the differences are not explained by mutation alone.
This is also one of the reasons why testing 24 markers matters. The more markers tested, the easier it is for the lab to distinguish between a genuine mutation (one or two isolated mismatches in an otherwise perfect match) and a true exclusion (widespread mismatches across the table).
Does the Mother's DNA Sample Change the Results?
A mother's DNA sample is not required for an accurate paternity test. Standard at-home paternity testing compares the child's DNA directly to the alleged father's DNA and produces highly reliable results without the mother's participation.
That said, including the mother's sample can improve the analysis in certain situations.
When the mother's DNA is available, the lab can identify exactly which allele the child inherited from the mother at each marker. This makes it easier to isolate the allele that must have come from the biological father. The result is a cleaner separation of maternal vs. paternal contributions, which can increase the CPI and strengthen the overall statistical confidence.
Including the mother is most helpful in situations where:
- The alleged father and child share common allele values that also appear frequently in the general population
- Two possible fathers are related to each other (for example, brothers), making it harder to distinguish between their DNA without additional reference points
- The lab encounters an ambiguous result at one or more markers and needs additional data to resolve it
For most standard paternity cases, the father and child's DNA alone provides more than enough information for a conclusive result.
If a standard cheek swab is not available for one of the participants, we also offer discreet DNA testing options using items like toothbrushes, hair, or nail clippings.
If you are unsure whether including the mother would benefit your specific case, contact our team before sending your samples.
What If Two Possible Fathers Are Brothers or Close Relatives?
This is one of the most important scenarios to be aware of before testing.
Brothers, father-and-son pairs, and other close male relatives share a significant portion of their DNA. Because of this overlap, a standard paternity test could potentially produce a false inclusion if the wrong brother is tested - meaning the test might show a high probability of paternity for a man who is not actually the biological father, because his DNA is similar enough to the true father's.
If you know or suspect that two possible fathers are related, let the testing company know before samples are collected. The lab can then take additional steps:
- Testing additional DNA markers beyond the standard 24 to increase the ability to distinguish between closely related men
- Requesting both possible fathers to provide samples for direct comparison - our multiple location test kits make this easier when participants are in different cities or states
- Including the mother's DNA to provide fa clearer genetic baseline
This information should be disclosed at the time of ordering so the lab can account for it during analysis. If a standard test has already been completed and there is a concern about close relatives, contact My Forever DNA to discuss next steps.
For a deeper look at how labs handle this scenario, see our guide on determining paternity between brothers.
Understanding the Other Sections of Your Report
Beyond the conclusion, data table, and statistics, your paternity test report contains several administrative and identification sections. These sections do not affect the test result itself, but they help organize and authenticate the report.
Report ID and Order ID
The Report ID is a unique case number assigned by the laboratory. It links your results to your specific test and protects your privacy. The Order ID is assigned by My Forever DNA and matches your online order record for tracking purposes.
Identifying Information
This section lists the details recorded for each participant at the time of sample collection:
- Collection date - when the DNA samples were taken
- Case ID - matches the Report ID, ending in AF (alleged father) or C (child)
- Relationship status - whether the participant is the alleged father or child
- Sample type - the type of sample collected (cheek swab, hair, toothbrush, or other alternative DNA samples)
- Race - as marked on the sample envelope. If left blank, it defaults to Caucasian. This default does not affect accuracy. Race is used as a reference point in the statistical calculation to compare the tested man against population-specific allele frequencies.
Verification and Signatures
Every report undergoes quality checks before release. Results are reviewed and signed by the Chief Scientific Officer or Lab Director, and the lab processes each test using dual testing protocols to ensure precision. For legal cases, reports are notarized for court admissibility. The PDF version of your report, while not physically stamped, is officially signed and dated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity Test Results
Can a paternity test result be wrong?
When processed by an accredited laboratory using proper protocols, paternity test results are extremely reliable. At My Forever DNA, our AABB-accredited, CAP-certified lab partner tests all exclusion results twice and uses dual testing on every case to eliminate the possibility of human error. A 99.99% inclusion is considered scientifically conclusive, and a 0% exclusion is definitive.
The most common source of inaccurate results is not the lab process itself but situations where close male relatives of the alleged father could also be the biological father - which is why disclosing that information before testing is critical.
What are blank or inconclusive DNA results?
In rare cases, the lab may not be able to obtain a usable DNA profile from a submitted sample. This can happen when the sample does not contain enough cells, when the DNA has degraded due to improper storage or exposure to heat and moisture, or when something in the sample inhibits the lab's extraction process. If this happens, a new sample will be required. Blank results do not mean the test failed - they mean the sample itself did not contain enough viable DNA.
What should I do if my results are different from what I expected?
Unexpected results can be difficult to process, but the DNA science behind paternity testing is well established and highly reliable when performed by an accredited lab. If your results are not what you anticipated, you may want to consider whether a close relative of the tested man could be the biological father, or whether a follow-up legal DNA test with supervised collection would provide additional documentation. Our team is available to walk you through your results and discuss your options.
Is an at-home paternity test valid in court?
No. At-home paternity tests are for personal knowledge only. For court-admissible results - including custody, child support, and immigration cases - a legal DNA test is required. Legal testing follows a strict chain-of-custody process where a neutral third party verifies the identity of all participants and supervises sample collection. The DNA analysis itself is identical in both at-home and legal tests. The difference is entirely in the documentation and collection procedure.
How long does it take to get paternity DNA test results?
Most results are ready within 1-3 business days after the lab receives all samples. From the time you order your kit to the time you receive results, the typical timeline is about 5-10 business days depending on shipping speed and how quickly samples are returned. Once your samples arrive at the lab, your dedicated DNA Specialist will notify you when processing begins.
Will anyone else see my results?
No. Your results are kept strictly private and are only accessible to you. My Forever DNA does not store, share, or upload your DNA into any public or private databases. Once testing is complete, physical samples are securely destroyed.
Questions About Your Report?
If any part of your paternity test report is unclear or you want to talk through your results with a real person, our team is here.
Reply to the email from your dedicated DNA Specialist, or call us directly at 402-800-7161.
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