How accurate is DNA testing?

DNA testing in the right hands is an extremely powerful technique that can produce highly relevant and clear results.

If an alleged father does not match DNA components found in the child's profile he can not be the biological father of that child. If DNA components of the alleged father are present in the child's DNA profile, a statistical calculation is required to understand the value of the match. This statistical analysis will generally produce a high degree of confirmation that the alleged father is indeed the biological father of the child. However it is important to note that this degree of 'certainty' can vary from result to result and from laboratory to laboratory.

It is critical that you do not commission any DNA testing work unless a laboratory can guarantee the results (if positive) will provide a degree of certainty in the 99.99% area.

With modern DNA testing facilities the more interesting question is not 'how accurate is DNA testing' but 'how reliable is the laboratory carrying out the DNA test'. Clearly the validity of the final outcome, is highly influenced by the quality control and checking standards of the testing facility. Never compromise on the testing standards, particularly given the importance of the results of any tests you carry out.