Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Paternity Test Results Explained ...

A paternity test has two possible outcomes:

1. The tested man is not the father. The report will say that the tested man is not the biological father (excluded) of the tested child. The report will show a minimum of three exclusions.

2. The tested man is the father. If the report says that the tested man is not excluded as the biological father of the tested child, the results will be reported as a statistic known as the Combined Paternity Index. A Combined Paternity Index of 100 or greater is the accepted standard to establish parental rights in most States..

Allele


Child


Father


Paternity Index

CSF1PO


12, 14


11, 13


Exclusion

D3S1358


13, 15


14, 16


Exclusion

TH01


6, 10


7, 9.3


Exclusion

The Father and Child do not share genetic markers in the following systems, CSF1PO, D3S1358 and THO1. Based on these results, The Father is excluded as the biological father. The probability of paternity is 0%.
Exclusion Example: The father or the mother of the child can be confirmed or ruled out by identifying genetic markers. These markers occur in pairs and are passed from each parent to the child. For each pair of markers, one comes from the mother (the maternal marker or allele) and the other comes from the father (the paternal marker or allele). The father is expected to share the paternal marker with the child for each allele tested. This rule of inheritance is very reliable, mismatch (exclusion) between the tested man and the child, typically found in three or more alleles, results in exclusion of the tested man. In this example at the loci CSF1PO you can see that the child does not have either copy of the father’s DNA.

Inclusion (Nonexclusion) Example: The father of the child can be confirmed by identifying genetic markers. These markers occur in pairs and are passed from each parent to the child. For each pair of markers, one comes from the mother (the maternal marker or allele) and the other comes from the father (the paternal marker or allele). The true biological father is expected to share the paternal allele with the child for each allele tested. The tested man cannot be excluded as the biological father of the child in question. In this example, you can follow the paternal allele. In this example the CPI is 3,138.1219 and the probability of paternity is 99.9681%.

Combined Paternity Index (CPI) is the biostatistic that completely evaluates the genetic information. It is a ratio (a CPI of 100 means 100 to 1) which expresses the relative "fit" of the genetic data to the

Allele


Child


Father


Paternity Index


Parental Allele

CSF1PO


12, 13


12, 14


4.182


12

D3S1358


17, 19


14, 19


19.231


19

FGA


22, 27


24, 27


19.231


27

TH01


8, 9


7, 9


2.029


9

The alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father of the Child since they share genetic markers. Based on the results obtained form the analysis of the alleles, D3S1358, FGA, TH01 and CSF1PO the probability of paternity is 99.9681% (prior probability = 0.5) as compared to an untested and unrelated man.
alternate hypotheses of paternity and non-paternity. The CPI is a simple odds ratio. Because of the increased accuracy possible with DNA testing, the generally accepted minimum standard for an inclusionary result has risen to a CPI of 100. The CPI is calculated by multiplying all the paternity index (Product Rule) numbers together (4.182 x 19.231 x 19.231 x 2.029=3,138.122)

The CPI is a measure of the strength of the genetic evidence. It indicates whether the evidence fits better with the hypothesis that the tested man is the father or with the hypothesis that someone else is the father.

Probability of paternity is a mathematically rigorous way expressing and understanding the significance of the genetic results. Probability of paternity has the same meaning as more commonly experienced probabilities. A probability of rain of 99% means that, of 100 such predictions one expects that only one will be followed by clear skies. It follows that a probability of paternity depends on an evaluation of the other evidence presented, as well as the genetic evidence. The prior probability of paternity (p) is the strength of one’s belief that the tested man is the father based only on the non-genetic evidence.

The other (non-genetic) evidence is summarized by p, the prior probability of paternity. p=0 means that the other evidence indicates that paternity is impossible, while p=100% means that the other evidence indicates that paternity is certain. Of course, we have no certainty, so that in each paternity case, p is larger than 0, but less than 100%. For reasons of convenience, it is customary to assume a value of p=50%. The argument for using p=50% that is that the tested man is either the true father or he is not. It is a neutral number. In the absence of any knowledge about which was the case, it is reasonable to give these two possibilities equal prior probabilities. In this example, the probability of paternity takes the simple form: probability of paternity = (CPI)/(CPI+1) * 100. In this example the CPI= 3,138.122 and the CPI+1= 3,139.122 therefore, the probability of paternity is 99.9681%.


http://www.dnatesting.biz/Forensic_Paternity_Testing/Bone/Paternity_Results/paternity_results.html

sample result interpretation

http://www.orchidcellmark.com/dnatestresources/resultsinterpretation/


EXAMPLE OF INCLUSION RESULT

System Mother Child Alleged Father Paternity Index
D3S1358 14 , 18 14, 15 15 , 16 4.03
vWA 14 , 17 14 , 17 14 , 17 2.72
FGA 18 , 24 18 , 22 22 , 24 2.81
D8S1179 13 13 , 14 11 , 14 1.49
D21S11 31.2 , 33.2 30 , 31.2 30 3.88
D18S51 14 14 14 , 17 2.94
D16S539 9 , 12 9 , 11 11 , 12 1.57
TH01 7 , 9.3 7 , 9.3 7 , 9.3 1.41
D2S1338 19 , 24 19 , 24 19 , 23 1.89
D19S433 13 , 14 14 , 17.2 13 , 17.2 39.00

  1. Identify the two alleles (numbers) for the child at each system. (e.g. the child has a 14, 15 at system D3S1358)
  2. Determine which of the child’s alleles came from the mother. (e.g. at system D3S1358, the mother (14,18) gives the child (14,15) a 14)
  3. Therefore the alleged father must provide the child with the other allele, a 15. (e.g. at system D3S1358, the alleged father (15,16) provides the child (14,15) with the 15)
  4. This matching between the child and alleged father at system D3S1358 is an example of an inclusion.
  5. Once the alleles are analyzed for all systems, population statistics are then calculated based upon the paternal alleles provided to the child. The result is a Paternity Index for each system.
  6. The final calculation involves the multiplication of each Paternity Index with the others to come up with a Combined Paternity Index value. For example, the Paternity Index of system D3S1358 is 4.03 and the Combined Paternity Index for the overall results is 85,426 to 1.

EXAMPLE OF EXCLUSION RESULT

System Mother Child Alleged Father Paternity Index
D3S1358 14 , 18 14 , 15 17 , 18 0.00
vWA 14 , 17 14 , 17 14 , 20 2.72
FGA 18 , 24 18 , 22 23 , 25 0.00
D8S1179 13 13 , 14 8 , 14 1.49
D21S11 31.2 , 33.2 30 , 31.2 30 , 35 3.88
D18S51 14 14 15 , 18 0.00
D16S539 9 , 12 9 , 11 11 , 15 1.57
TH01 7 , 9.3 7 , 9.3 6 , 9.3 1.41
D2S1338 19 , 24 19 , 24 19 , 20 1.89
D19S433 13 , 14 14 , 17.2 15 , 16 0.00


  1. Identify the two alleles (numbers) for the child. (e.g. the child has a 14, 15 at system D3S1358)
  2. Determine which of the child’s alleles came from the mother. (e.g. at system D3S1358, the mother (14,18) gives the child (14,15) a 14)
  3. Therefore the biological father must provide the child with the other allele, a 15. However the tested alleged father is a 17,18 and could not have provided the child with a 15.
  4. This mis-match between the child and alleged father at system D3S1358 is an example of an exclusion and the paternity index is 0.00 for this system.
  5. If the child and alleged father do match, population statistics are used to derive a paternity index for that system.
  6. When the statistical calculations are applied to the all of the paternity index results in the above case, the Combined Paternity Index is 0.00 and therefore there is a 0% probability of paternity.

** A Combined Paternity of Index of 100 to 1 is required by aaBB Accreditation Standards to report an Inclusion.

** At least 2 Exclusion Systems must be found by aaBB Accreditation Standards to report an Exclusion.

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

a dna testing guide from a web site

Choosing a paternity test can be a confusing ordeal. Not only is the terminology describing the ins and outs of each test complicated, but the sheer number of different tests to choose from makes it difficult to decide which one is the best for you. Couple this with the explosion of services providers over the last 5 years and it can be a daunting task just knowing where to begin. To simplify matters lets compare 14 of the more prominent paternity testing companies and some of the features that you should be considering when making your decision. We’ve analyzed these companies using 6 different criteria that we think are critical to deciding which company fits you best. Click through for the full guide to choosing the right company.

How many Different Types of Tests do they offer?

This is first factor you should consider in choosing a paternity testing company. Does the company offer the test you want? This ranges from 11 different tests (Genlex) to 1 test, usually the simple paternity test with samples collected from the father, mother and child. Testing options can be far more wide ranging from prenatal testing of the child’s DNA through to siblings, grandparents, and even deceased individuals.


How much will a DNA Paternity test cost?

No matter what test you’re looking for you’ll need to factor in how much you can afford to spend. From the chart you can see we’ve tabulated the cost of the cheapest test that each of the companies offer. The lowest offering is $89 from Metaphase Genetics and the highest is $475 from the DNA Diagnostics Center. The tests in this category are usually the simplest test with the simplest analysis and minimal support. As a general rule you get what you pay for with the higher minimum prices providing more support and stringent analysis. The chart lists the minimum prices, but the costs can skyrocket quite quickly though with some testing options topping $3000 with professional legal guarantees. Beware of some advertised prices – always check to see if the cost they are displaying prominently includes shipping, sample post processing, analysis, and other “hidden” fees.

How long will it take to get the test result?

If you are taking a paternity test then this is probably in the forefront of your mind. Testing speed has increased dramatically over the last 5 years, so you no longer have to wait months for an answer. Gene Sys and the DNA testing Center top our time category with results in as little as 1 day. Taking this option however will dramatically increase the cost of the test. The average time to result after they receive your samples is 4 days.

What happens after I get my test results?

You’ve paid for the test and gotten your report. It’s complicated, it contains a lot of technical jargon and other than the one paragraph summary about the % relatedness of sample A to samples B and C it’s hard to know what it all means. You should be getting help from the company who administered the test. Can they explain it to you and do they have certified staff to go through it with you? In most cases the answer is No. Some companies do offer online support and even forums where you can discuss your report with other customers, in which case we’ve rated the support as Medium. If you still feel unsure try a company with a High level of post test support, with lots of follow up and genetic counselors if you need them.

Who has my samples now?

This is an often overlooked issue, but it is of critical importance to your privacy. It’s hard to know what future legislation is going to be passed into law regarding your genetic information and at the moment it’s a little bit like the Wild West. Will health insurance companies get hold of your samples in the future and use the information within them to decide your insurance status? Can your employer? Will your relatives have access to your sample? The only way to be sure that none of these ever happen is to not make it an option. This category of the chart lists what is the default action of the paternal testing company, whether it is storage for a year or more or immediate destruction of your sample after testing.

How trustworthy and reliable is the company?

As we hinted in the category above, the regulations governing this expanding business are not well defined as yet. One way that is available to measure performance is accreditation. There are a few different agencies that provide accreditation but we’re looking at just one in this list: The AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks). This certainly isn’t a definitive measure or the only thing you should be considering in which company to trust, and lack of accreditation by the AABB also shouldn’t be reason for exclusion alone. The best course is to contact the testing company that you’re interested in and ask them why they aren’t accredited when some of their competition is.

In the end you have a lot of options in choosing a paternity testing company, and the more options you have the better. This business niche is expanding rapidly and the list we have provided is by no means exhaustive. The chart is ordered in alphabetical order so you should asses the categories below to determine which Paternity Testing Company works best for your situation. Also you shouldn’t consider the inclusion of any of the companies we listed as an endorsement over others. What you should do though is use the categories we’ve used here to ask if the company you’re interested in offers what you need. If you are still unsure of what to do, then you should always consult your doctor for advice.

Free DNA Paternity Test for Father’s Day (by 6/13, 2008)

Free DNA Paternity Test for Father’s Day

WEBWIRE – Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Contact Information
Jim Benltey
Vice President
Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc
623-434-0292
vbolin@cox.net
Chromosomal Laboratories Offers Unique Gift to Fathers

PHOENIX, AZ, May 28, 2008

Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc., a leading DNA testing laboratory, has announced that it would repeat its hugely popular offer of five free paternity tests, a $290 value, to fathers and alleged fathers as a special promotion to celebrate the upcoming Father’s Day holiday. Interested parties should contact Chromosomal Laboratories by June 13th to be entered into the drawing. Five fathers will be chosen at random to receive a free home paternity test kit.

Chromosomal Laboratories is an independently owned and operated laboratory. The company offers both private home test kits as well as legal tests. Both tests are 16 genetic marker tests, the gold standard within the industry, which provides an accuracy level of up to 99.9999%.

There are many reasons people decide to have a paternity test. Paternity fraud or the false identification of a man as the father of a child is one such reason and a serious problem in the United States. Approximately 30% of the over 300,000 paternity tests performed annually in the United States result in exclusion of the alleged individual as the biological father. The LA Chapter of the National Coalition of Free Men estimates that there are over 7 million children in the United States that are unknowingly calling the wrong person, Dad.

“We hope to bring closure to five families to help answer important questions they may have regarding paternity,” stated Vladimir Bolin, chief executive officer of Chromosomal Laboratories. “Both alleged fathers and the children involved have the right to know who the actual father is.”

Families interested in this special offer should contact Chromosomal Laboratories by calling 623-434-0292 to become eligible for this unique Father’s Day gift.

About Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc.

Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc. is a full service analytical laboratory specializing in advanced DNA analyses for paternity, forensics, and ancestry studies. Chromosomal Laboratories also provides research and development in DNA diagnostics as well as DNA consulting services. The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Chromosomal Laboratories, Inc. is strategically headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, an area rich in biotech industries and home to the Translational Genomics Research Institute and the International Genomics Consortium. Chromosomal Laboratories’ state of the art 10,000 square foot facility is equipped with advanced instrumentation for genetic analyses.

Monday, June 2, 2008