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Even though 100% accuracy in DNA testing is theoretically impossible, why is it trustworthy?

Paternity DNA testing is reported with a probability of paternity

1. Paternity DNA testing must be reported with the probability of paternity*

Paternity DNA testing at seeDNA Genetic Medical Laboratory is always reported with a "probability of paternity". Domestic companies that do not show the probability of paternity have serious problems with the credibility of their tests.
*This also includes the "probability of maternity" in maternity tests.

2. Accuracy of paternity DNA testing indicated by probability of paternity

If the probability of paternity between the subjects is 99.99%, it means "it is practically impossible to deny a biological parent-child relationship". Please be assured that it does not mean "there is a 0.01% chance of no parent-child relationship". This is because the probability of paternity (maternity) is a genetic term that indicates the reliability of the test, not a numerical value that indicates the probability of being a parent and child.
In the unlikely event that it is reported as the probability (possibility) of parentage rather than the probability of paternity, its credibility is questionable. To obtain accurate results, re-examination at an "appraisal institution showing a probability of paternity of 99.99% or higher" is required. This is because if the probability (possibility) of parentage is 99.99%, it means "there is a 0.01% chance of no parent-child relationship", so there is a 0.01% chance that the blood relationship will be overturned, and instances of misjudgment are actually increasing.
*Misjudgments by testing companies with low accuracy are rapidly increasing. (Checkpoints to avoid misjudgment troubles)
https://seedna.co.jp/advantage-of-our/troubles/

3. 100% accuracy in DNA testing is theoretically impossible

Theoretically, an accuracy of 100% cannot be obtained in the probability of paternity. Even in special DNA tests, the accuracy improves to 99.9999999% and approaches 100 as much as possible, but it will never be a value of 100. Please avoid companies that do not show accurate numbers and advertise that they can conduct perfect tests with absolute confidence.

4. Tests that can avoid misjudgments

If the probability of paternity is 0%, there may be cases where the blood relationship is denied due to human errors such as sample mix-ups. To prevent such testing errors, international regulations stipulate that tests must be conducted twice if a blood relationship is denied.
*Many companies report after only one test because costs and efforts double, but caution is needed as there is a risk of producing incorrect results rather than testing errors.
https://seedna.co.jp/advantage-of-our/double-check/
Furthermore, it is also necessary to conduct a verification process by inquiring and analyzing one by one with the DNA profiles of past appraisals to see if there is any other data that establishes a parent-child blood relationship.
We will continue to pursue world-class accuracy and reliability in testing to ensure your peace of mind and meet customer needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Why can't DNA testing achieve 100% accuracy?

A.
The probability of paternity is a statistical indicator, and theoretically does not reach 100%. Even with special DNA testing, the accuracy improves to 99.9999999%, but it does not become 100%(1). This is an unavoidable scientific limitation because DNA typing uses probability calculations based on Bayes' theorem. Companies claiming "100% accuracy" may have reliability issues.

Q.What exactly does a 99.99% probability of paternity mean?

A.
A 99.99% probability of paternity means "it is practically impossible to deny a biological parent-child relationship". It does not mean "there is a 0.01% chance of not being related." This is because the probability of paternity is a genetic term indicating the reliability of the test, not a number indicating the probability of being parent and child(2).

Q.Is there a problem with testing institutions that do not show the probability of paternity?

A.
Yes, testing institutions that do not report the probability of paternity have serious doubts about the reliability of their test results. If reported as a probability (possibility) of being parent and child, even at 99.99%, it can be interpreted as "there is a 0.01% chance of not being related," leaving the possibility that the blood relationship could be overturned. To get accurate results, you need a test at an institution that provides a probability of paternity of 99.99% or higher.

Q.Why do misjudgments in DNA testing occur?

A.
The main cause of misjudgments is human error such as mixing up samples. If a blood relationship is denied (0% probability of paternity), a single test carries the risk of a misjudgment due to a mix-up. International regulations require a double check (testing twice) whenever a blood relationship is denied, but some companies report on a single test to reduce costs(3).

Q.What are the points for choosing a reliable DNA testing institution?

A.
There are three points for choosing a reliable testing institution: 1) Reporting results with the probability of paternity, 2) Conducting double checks (testing twice) when denying a blood relationship, and 3) Performing comparative analysis with past testing data. Institutions that meet these criteria have a testing system that complies with international regulations, minimizing the risk of misjudgment.

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