Inclusion and exclusion
DNA relationship testing produces two kinds of outcome. An exclusion means the tested man cannot be the biological father — mismatches across multiple markers make the relationship biologically impossible. An inclusion means the marker pattern is consistent with the claimed relationship.
Why not 100%
Inclusions are expressed as a probability because the statistic is calculated against population data rather than against every living person. Testing more markers pushes the probability higher; most accredited partners report at or above 99.99% for a standard inclusion.
Factors that affect confidence
- Number of markers analysed
- Whether the biological mother participates
- Whether close relatives of the alleged father are also candidates
Close relatives matter
Brothers share far more DNA than unrelated men. If a brother, father or son of the tested man could also be the biological father, tell us before ordering so the right test design is used.
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice.