4 Points to Check Before Requesting a DNA Test

Misjudgments must not occur in crucial DNA tests that change the lives of the subjects involved.
However, it is not easy for the general public without knowledge of DNA testing to find a reliable testing institution by looking at various company websites.
In fact, many testing institutions post or explain terrible content regarding DNA testing on their websites, so we strongly recommend checking before requesting a test.

Despite the fact that the results of DNA testing for parentage or blood relations are a major issue that can change lives, troubles such as misjudgments by providers lacking sufficient DNA testing technology and knowledge are rapidly increasing.
At seeDNA, many customers apply for DNA testing to reconfirm because they feel uneasy about the testing content of other companies.
Among them, there have been several cases where the test results were overturned. In other words, cases where misjudgments by other companies are suspected.

These are the results of some people who requested re-testing from our company. Among them, some people feel uneasy about the test results of other companies but accept the results with anxiety because it is difficult to discuss with others, and some people may not even realize that there is an error in the test results in the first place, so there may actually be more misjudgments in DNA testing than our company is aware of.
Here, we will guide you on how to identify "terrible" providers who lack sufficient DNA testing technology and knowledge, and providers with a high risk of misjudgment.

Checkpoint 1Lack of understanding of the basic concepts of DNA testing

A certain laboratory conducting DNA testing explains the international standard for DNA testing, "Probability of Paternity: 99.9%," as the "rate of misjudging 1 in 1,000 people," that is, the probability that 1 in 1,000 people will be determined as the biological father.
This would mean that there are over 60,000 men in Japan who could be determined as the father, making the international standard of 99.9% seem like a very unreliable number.
The Probability of Paternity is neither a "rate of error" nor a "probability of being a parent," but a "genetic term indicating the reliability of the test ^*1."
Can you entrust a life-changing test to a testing institution that lacks basic specialized knowledge?

*1: Correct explanation of test accuracy and probability of paternity (https://seedna.co.jp/dna/result_report_str/)

Checkpoint 2Guaranteeing perfect results

"There are no mistakes because it's a fully automated test" "The accuracy is 100%"... Unfortunately, this is impossible.
At seeDNA, we have conducted many tests so far and have had "0 cases" of misjudgment trouble, but it is theoretically impossible to guarantee a perfect test.
In the first place, the probability of paternity can theoretically approach 100% as closely as possible, but it can never reach exactly 100%. You should avoid testing institutions that do not explain the risks associated with testing.

Checkpoint 3Posting false information

We saw "over 100,000 cases of experience" written on the website of a certain clinic, making it look like the test results they conducted themselves, but in reality, it is not the experience of that testing institution, but the experience of the testing equipment manufacturer used in genetic testing worldwide.
Anyone can buy proven testing equipment if they pay for it.
What is important is the optimal system to prevent mistakes and the experience and daily efforts of the employees who handle the equipment.
It is uneasy to entrust a life-changing test to a testing institution that posts misleading information.

Checkpoint 4Not showing the minimum guaranteed probability of paternity (only listing the maximum value)

For example, seeDNA's "minimum guarantee" for the probability of paternity, which indicates biological parent-child relationships, is "99.9999999%" for special paternity DNA testing and "99.99%" for high-precision paternity DNA testing.
Depending on the provider, it may be listed as "maximum 99.999999...%." When many numbers line up, you might think it's amazing, but what is important is not the "maximum probability" of paternity, but the "minimum guaranteed probability." Please be careful.

Although it is theoretically and practically impossible to produce results with 100% accuracy in DNA testing, it is a strict test where not a single misjudgment is allowed.
As a result of our thorough quality control and improvement of testing technology since 2014, not a single misjudgment has occurred, but we still cannot guarantee a result with a 100% probability of paternity.
Please be careful of providers who pretend to be able to perform perfect tests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What are the causes of misjudgments in DNA testing?

The main cause is that providers without sufficient DNA testing technology and specialized knowledge perform the tests. Specifically, problems such as not understanding the meaning of the probability of paternity correctly, lacking a double-check system, and not meeting quality control standards (such as ISO9001). At seeDNA, many customers request re-testing because they feel uneasy about the test results of other companies, and there are several confirmed cases where the test results were overturned (misjudgments by other companies are suspected) (1).

Q.What is the probability of paternity?

The probability of paternity is a genetic indicator showing the reliability of the test in DNA testing. It is neither the "rate of misjudging 1 in 1,000 people" nor the "probability of being a parent." Under international standards, 99.9% or higher is considered the standard for confirming a parent-child relationship. Providers who incorrectly explain this basic term may lack specialized knowledge in DNA testing (2).

Q.Can I trust a DNA testing provider that guarantees "100% accuracy"?

You cannot trust them. The probability of paternity can theoretically approach 100% as closely as possible, but it is impossible to obtain exactly 100% (2). Providers who guarantee "perfect results" without honestly explaining the risks associated with testing can be judged as not providing sincere information based on scientific evidence.

Q.What should I be careful about regarding the "track record" described by DNA testing providers?

Statements such as "over 100,000 cases of experience" may not actually be the testing experience of the provider itself, but the worldwide experience of the testing equipment manufacturer used. Anyone can use the testing equipment if they purchase it, and what is important is not the equipment itself, but the quality control system to prevent mistakes and the experience and technology of the test workers (1).

Q.What is the "minimum guaranteed probability" to check in DNA testing?

The minimum guaranteed probability is the lower limit of the probability of paternity guaranteed by that testing institution. If a provider only lists the maximum value as "maximum 99.999999...%," the actual test result may be a significantly lower probability. For example, at seeDNA, it is clearly stated that the minimum guarantee is 99.9999999% for special paternity DNA testing and 99.99% for high-precision paternity DNA testing (1).