Example Paternity DNA Test Results

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"What will my paternity test results actually look like?"

To help answer that question, we've provided examples of both a positive (inclusion) and negative (exclusion) paternity DNA test result.

This guide explains the major sections of a paternity report and what the findings mean.

Quick Answer: What Do Paternity Test Results Look Like?

A paternity DNA test report typically contains:

A Statement of Results
A Genetic System Table (STR Locus/Allele Chart)
A Combined Paternity Index (CPI)
A Probability of Paternity

The report will ultimately conclude that the tested man either:

cannot be excluded as the biological father (positive result), or
is excluded as the biological father (negative result)

Example Paternity DNA Test Result – Inclusion

Example Positive Paternity Test Result

In a positive paternity case, the report will conclude that:

"The alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father of the tested child."

This means the DNA evidence supports that the tested man is the biological father.

Positive reports typically show:

a high Combined Paternity Index (CPI)
a Probability of Paternity of 99.99% or greater
matching genetic markers across the tested individuals

This is considered conclusive evidence of paternity.

Example Paternity DNA Test – Exclusion

Example Negative Paternity Test Result

In a negative paternity case, the report will conclude that:

"The alleged father is excluded as the biological father of the tested child."

This means the DNA evidence does not support a biological relationship.

Negative reports typically show:

a Combined Paternity Index (CPI) of 0
a Probability of Paternity of 0%
multiple genetic markers that do not match

This is considered conclusive evidence that the tested man is not the biological father.

Understanding the Statement of Results

The Statement of Results is often the most important section of the report.

Because scientific and legal language is used, it can sometimes appear confusing at first glance.

The report will contain one of two conclusions.

Inclusion

If the report states:

"Cannot be excluded as the biological father"

the DNA evidence supports that the tested man is the biological father of the child.

All tested genetic markers are consistent with a biological parent-child relationship.

Exclusion

If the report states:

"Is excluded as the biological father"

the DNA evidence does not support a biological parent-child relationship.

Multiple genetic markers do not match and the tested man is determined not to be the biological father.

Understanding the Genetic System Table

The Genetic System Table is sometimes called the:

STR Table
Locus/Allele Chart
DNA Marker Table

This section contains the actual genetic data used to reach the conclusion.

Validity Genetics analyzes up to 24 genetic locations, including sex markers.

Each child inherits:

one allele from their mother
one allele from their father

The laboratory compares these genetic markers between the tested individuals to determine whether the DNA supports paternity.

Positive Result Example

In a positive report, the child will share the expected genetic markers with the alleged father at all tested locations.

At each genetic marker, at least one allele can be traced to the alleged father.

Negative Result Example

In a negative report, several genetic markers will not match.

Because a child must inherit genetic material from their biological father, multiple mismatches result in exclusion.

Understanding the Combined Paternity Index (CPI)

The Combined Paternity Index (CPI) appears below the Genetic System Table.

This value measures how strongly the DNA evidence supports paternity.

The higher the CPI:

the stronger the evidence
the more likely the tested man is the biological father

Examples:

CPI = 0 → exclusion
CPI = 100 → evidence supports paternity
CPI = 1,000+ → very strong support
CPI values often exceed 100,000 in positive cases

Understanding Probability of Paternity

The Probability of Paternity converts the genetic evidence into an easily understood percentage.

Typical results include:

Positive Result

99% or greater
commonly 99.99% or higher

Negative Result

0%

The Probability of Paternity is calculated using the Combined Paternity Index and provides the final statistical support for the conclusion.

What If You Are Waiting for Your Own Results?

Many individuals review example reports before receiving their own results.

Understanding the layout of the report in advance can make it easier to interpret your findings once they become available.

If you are considering testing, a home paternity DNA test can provide answers using simple cheek swab samples collected from the participants.

Learn More About Paternity Results

For a detailed explanation of:

CPI values
Probability of Paternity
Inclusion and exclusion language
how reports are interpreted

visit: Paternity Test Results Article

Related Services

Home Paternity DNA Test

from $149.00

Home Paternity DNA Test includes:

Easy to follow instructions
2 sterile buccal collection swabs per person
Sample envelopes for each person involved
Consent form
Prepaid return label to our laboratory. (USA Only)

Select from test options below:

Test Mother?:

Number of Fathers:

Number of Children:

Do you need a kit sent to a second address?:

The above sample DNA test reports are for Paternity DNA Tests without including the Mother. For other DNA test reports, such as Siblings DNA Testing, the wording will differ slightly.

Cited References:

American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
https://www.aabb.org
National Human Genome Research Institute. DNA and Genetic Testing
https://www.genome.gov
National Institute of Justice. DNA Evidence Basics
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/dna-evidence-basics

Example Paternity Test Results