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LABORATORY REPORT EXPLANATION
The PTC Laboratory Report shows the results of laboratory tests, which provide evidence regarding whether the alleged father could be the biological parent of the named child. This is a brief explanation of the meaning of the numbers on the report.
The laboratory tests body fluids or tissue of the mother, child, and alleged father to locate certain pieces of DNA which may differ from person to person. The location of the particular piece of DNA along the entire chain of DNA is called a "LOCUS," and the laboratory finds the locus by using a chemical called a "PROBE." The report shows numbers (in the first column of the chart) to indicate each locus and probe that were used.
A person's own piece of DNA found at a particular locus is called an "ALLELE" (an allele is sometimes referred to as a "genetic marker"). Each person has two alleles at each locus, and usually they are not the same size. One allele comes from the person's mother, and the other allele comes from the father. The chart on the report gives numbers showing the size of both alleles for each locus.
If, for example, a child has two alleles that are sizes 2.99kb and 3.49kb, and if the mother has sizes 1.66kb and 2.99kb, then the child inherited the size 2.99kb allele from the mother. The child has to have inherited the size 3.49kb allele from the father. The size 3.49kb allele is the "obligate paternal allele." Generally, the alleged father must have an allele this size if he is the biological father of the child. The box in the chart on the Laboratory Report highlights the obligate paternal allele and the alleged father's matching allele, if any.
If the alleged father does not have the matching allele at every tested locus, then he usually can not be the biological parent. If he does have it, then he could be the father. A "paternity index" is calculated based on information including the portion of the male population that has this size allele. This index is included in the last column for each DNA locus.
A combined paternity index for all of the tested alleles is then calculated and written in bold type below the chart, along with the "probability of paternity". The probability of paternity 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.
WHEN
AND HOW DO I RECEIVE THE RESULTS?
The
PTC laboratory will generally receive your specimens the day
after your specimen collection appointment (except for appointments
on or near a weekend). The specimens are shipped to us by Federal
Express or other common carrier, at our expense. For our standard
test we normally complete testing within ten working days after
receipt of all specimens. The report is then mailed to you by
first class mail. Faster testing is also available.
CAN
I USE THE RESULTS IN COURT?
Yes, the paternity test is admissible in court. In fact, there are certain advantages to PTC's tests in court. See the topic Legal Considerations.
EMOTIONAL
RESULTS OF A PATERNITY TEST
A paternity test that has an outcome different than you expected or hoped for can generate extremely strong emotions of sadness or anger. These emotions can be difficult or impossible to handle on your own. You may want to share these feelings with appropriate friends, and it may also be advisable to seek the support and guidance of a counselor.
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