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How does a DNA parentage test work?
How to Interpret a Parentage DNA Test Report from InstantMD
Instant MD Sample Paternity Test Report
What standards are used to ensure DNA tests are performed correctly?
Is the legally-binding test different from the informational DNA test?
Court-Admissible Home DNA Paternity Testing Explained
About Accredited (Legal) and Unaccredited (Non Legal DNA Paternity Tests)
What is a buccal swab and is it as accurate as blood?
How old does a child need to be?
How accurate is the DNA paternity test?
How will I receive my results?
What is the Combined Paternity Index?
Are the results confidential?
Can I submit an anonymous DNA sample?
What happens to the test samples (cheek swabs or blood) after the test?
Can you send a kit to me discreetly?
Are results from the At Home Test Kit admissible in court?
Do I need a court or doctor's order for a paternity test?
How does a DNA parentage test work?
A child inherits DNA from the mother's egg (23 chromosomes) and the father's sperm (also 23 chromosomes). Each parent contributes half of the child's DNA. The child (and every person) has 23 pairs of chromosomes. For each location ("locus," plural "loci") in a chromosome pair there is a specific DNA sequence in each chromosome. A DNA parentage test works by identifying the specific DNA sequences for multiple loci in the mother, child, and father. If the mother and father are the parents of the child, the two DNA sequences at each locus in the child's chromosomes must have been inherited from each parent. By determining these DNA sequences, paternity or other familial relationships can be established.
For more information, see How To Interpret A Parentage Test Report
How to Interpret a Parentage DNA Test Report from InstantMD
Click Here for an Example DNA Paternity Test Report, which will, for your convenience, open in a new browser window.
The IMD Report shows the results of laboratory DNA tests that provide evidence regarding the alleged family relationship. This is a brief explanation of the meaning of the numbers and other items that appear in a DNA test report.
The laboratory tests the DNA isolated from buccal (cheek) swabs to locate certain regions of chromosomes that vary in length between individuals. Sixteen of these sites are tested, each site is called a "locus", ("loci" - plural). Analysis of these 16 loci in a large population has revealed many different sized fragments, or alleles, associated with each locus. These are the genetic markers* used in parentage analysis.
Because each individual has two of each type of chromosome, one inherited from each parent, everyone has two alleles at each locus. These two alleles are sometimes identical (homozygous), but usually they are not the same size (heterozygous). During parentage testing, the laboratory identifies the length of the two alleles found at each locus. The report you will be given shows numbers (in the first column) that indicate each of the 16 loci involved in the testing process.
The columns marked "allele" on the report contain numbers indicating the two alleles found at each locus (or one number if they are the same size).
If, for example, a child has two alleles that are designated 12.1 and 18, and if the mother has alleles 12.1 and 16, then the child inherited the 12.1 allele from the mother. The child has to have inherited the 18 allele from the father. The 18 allele is the "obligate paternal allele." Generally, the alleged father must have this allele if he is the biological father of the child.
Fifteen different loci are used as genetic markers in the tests, as well as one (Amelogenin) to confirm the sex of the person providing the sample. If the alleged father does not have the matching allele at every tested locus, then he usually cannot be the biological parent. If he does have it, then he could be the father. A "relationship index" (called the "Direct Index" in the report) for each locus is calculated based on information including the portion of the male population that has the obligate paternal allele at that locus. This index is reported for each DNA locus.
A combined relationship (or "Direct") index for all of the tested alleles is then calculated and appears below the chart. This number is used to calculate the "probability of relationship," which is the percentage likelihood that a man with the alleles of the alleged father is the biological parent of the child, as compared to an untested, unrelated man of the same race. If the DNA of the alleged father is consistent (to a degree of mathematical certainty) with that of the child, then the report will conclude that the alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father of the child. If the DNA is not consistent, it will conclude that the alleged father can be excluded as the biological father of the child.
* Each locus used in the testing is composed of a variable number of repeating short sequences of the bases A,C,T, and G; such as ACGACGACGACG. Each allele has a different number of repeats giving rise to a different fragment length amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Instant MD Sample Paternity Test Report
What standards are used to ensure DNA tests are performed correctly?
We follow the standards set forth by the AABB for performing DNA parentage tests. Because we use 16 genetic markers, results usually are completely definitive. In the case of any ambiguities (perhaps caused by a poor sample), tests are repeated. Specific procedures are employed to protect against switching of samples and to maintain the confidentiality of our customers.
Is the legally-binding test different from the informational DNA test?
No. The DNA tests are exactly the same. The difference is that legally-binding tests require a witness, proof of identity, and special chain of custody procedures. The basic Home Test Kit therefore is not legally binding. It is intended as a discrete and private way whereby families can resolve questions without involving outside parties. Instant MD also offers a Court-Admissible Home Test Kit that requires a disinterested witness to oversee sample collection and verify identities and chain of custody.
Court-Admissible Home DNA Paternity Testing Explained
To be a court-admissible paternity DNA test, tests must be backed by proof of the identities of the test participants and a chain of custody of the samples collected (provided by a witness). We now offer a court-admissible version of our Home Test Kit for a small additional charge; this test qualifies as an AABB accredited DNA test (see About Accredited Tests for an explanation of accredited vs. unaccredited tests). If you think that you may need to use the results of a test in court proceedings, then you should choose this home kit option. Only DNA tests performed by an AABB accredited laboratory may be admissible in court. Please check to make sure the Laboratory you choose is actually accredited, and not simply sending your case to another lab for analysis.
This paternity test requires that a witness oversee sample collection and handling. Full instructions and example documents are included with the kit. The results will be admissible in court (see Disclaimer below) if the instructions below are followed exactly:
One (1) unrelated, disinterested witness is required.
- The unrelated witness takes or observes the sample collection, in accordance with the instructions provided with the home test kit.
- Witness and Sample Providers must complete and sign the required paperwork as indicated on the included examples.
- Test participants must provide positive identification.
- Test Participants (or legal guardian in the case of a minor or legally incompetent adult) and witness must sign and date copies of positive identification, or original photograph.
- The witness must package and seal completed test kit into the envelope provided.
- The witness must send the sealed envelope, via 2nd Day Courier or better, to IMD.
Notes: Acceptable proof of positive identification includes one of the following (signed and dated):
- Recent photograph, Polaroid or other that clearly identifies the individual
- Clearly legible, color copy of a Military ID
- Clearly legible, color copy of a State Drivers License
- Clearly legible, color copy of a State or Federal ID
In addition, a copy of a birth announcement or certificate is required for children who are less than three (3) years old at time of testing.
Disclaimer: Due to differences among courts and state laws, we cannot guarantee that a judge will accept the results of this home test as qualified evidence. However, if you complete the home test following all instructions exactly, and the witness is available to testify in court as to the administration of the test, the results should be admissible in a court of law. If you are unsure of the admissibility of this home paternity test we suggest that you ask your attorney.
About Accredited (Legal) and Unaccredited (Non Legal DNA Paternity Tests)
Some DNA testing laboratories advertise themselves as "accredited" by the AABB (which previously stood for the American Association of Blood Banks) while others do not. Accredited laboratories have passed a rigorous review and inspection of their testing processes and laboratory to insure that tests are being done accurately and thoroughly. Accredited laboratories also participate in proficiency DNA testing and are re-inspected annually. In order for a DNA test to be admissible in court, the DNA test must be performed by an accredited paternity testing laboratory. Purchasing a paternity test through an unaccredited laboratory is at best a gamble; it may be cheaper, but should you sacrifice quality for such an important test?
To be an "accredited legal paternity test" the AABB requires that the DNA sample collection be witnessed by a neutral third party with no interest in the outcome of the test. Furthermore, photographic proof of identity is required to be submitted with the test to verify the identity of the persons submitting the samples.
By definition, home (or "self-collected") paternity tests are not accredited unless they meet the above requirements. Many families opt for a home test kit because it is more affordable and they wish to be discreet. If any laboratory advertises an "accredited home test" without these requirements they are violating AABB standards.
At our laboratory, our personal At Home Test does not require proof of identity and is therefore not an AABB accredited test. The Court-Admissible Home Paternity Test, however, is an accredited DNA test and comes with full instructions on the duties of the witness and what qualifies as proof of identity.
You may rest assured that the only difference between home paternity tests and Instant MD-collected accredited legal paternity tests is the manner of collection. The paternity DNA test is absolutely identical and follows all AABB standards and accepted in court.
What is a buccal swab and is it as accurate as blood?
A buccal swab is soft and resembles a large Q-Tip. It is used to collect a sample of cheek cells by simply rubbing the inside of the cheeks. It is as accurate as blood, as the DNA is the same. A person should, however, abstain from drinking coffee for a few hours before taking a sample, and smokers should rinse and brush their cheeks with a toothbrush before swabbing.
How old does a child need to be?
A newborn infant can be tested. Taking a sample with a buccal swab is painless, and is not traumatic for the child.
How accurate is the DNA paternity test?
DNA testing is the most accurate method available for determining paternity. Its power lies in the ability to trace the pattern of inheritance for separate regions of the genetic material (chromosomes). From this information a probability of paternity can be calculated. This number can reach 99.99999% in some cases. The percentage of random men of the same race that can be excluded as the biological father is also computed for every case.
How will I receive my results?
Results are conveniently reported via mail, email, fax, phone, or online.
What is the Combined Paternity Index?
The Paternity Index is a number that represents the likelihood of Paternity. The number is calculated based on how common the genetic information found in your test result is within your race population. The Paternity Indices for each genetic locus tested are used to calculate a Combined Paternity Index which can result in a 99.999% Probability of Paternity, or even higher in the case of a true match. As an example, if the CPI is 9,999,987 it means the odds of the tested father being the unique biological father are 9,999,987 to one.
Are the results confidential?
Your results will be held in strictest confidence and released only to you. Furthermore, the information obtained from testing the 15 identity loci relate only to identity, and do not reveal any additional information of medical relevance.
Can I submit an anonymous DNA sample?
Test samples may be submitted anonymously to protect your identity — simply change or omit names and send payment in the form of a cashier's check.
What happens to the test samples (cheek swabs or blood) after the test?
Our normal procedure is to retain the samples for six months in case additional testing approved by the customer is necessary, and then destroy the samples. If you wish, however, you may request that we destroy all samples containing the tested persons' DNA immediately after completing the test.
Can you send a kit to me discreetly?
We understand the sensitive nature of paternity tests. The kit is sent in a plain mailing envelope with "IMD" and a PO Box as the return address. The included mailer to be sent back also is addressed in this manner.
Are results from the At Home Test Kit admissible in court?
The basic At Home Test Kit is intended as a discrete and private way whereby families can resolve questions without involving outside parties and is not court-admissible. We do offer, however, a Court-Admissible Home Test Kit for a small additional charge.
Do I need a court or doctor's order for a paternity test?
No, you do not need such an order to have our laboratory perform a parentage test.
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