Key Takeaways:
💡 Exclusion – Indicates that the individual tested is NOT the biological parent. A paternity exclusion confirms that the man in question is not the actual biological father of the child.
💡 Inclusion – Confirms with a certainty of over 99% that the tested individual IS the biological parent, as their DNA completely matches the child’s DNA profile.
💡 A result of exclusion does not imply that the individual has falsely claimed to be the biological parent; rather, it shows that the test could not definitively establish a biological link.
💡 Common reasons for an exclusion result include errors in identifying the individual, contamination of genetic samples, or technical mishaps during the testing process.
💡 Alternative testing techniques, such as mitochondrial DNA analysis or Y chromosome testing, may offer more conclusive evidence.
💡 Individuals who are excluded based on the results are not biologically related to you and may include step-parents, spouses, or other non-biological family members.
💡 To discover any excluded relatives, you can take a DNA test and review the outcome.
💡 Should a relative be excluded in your DNA findings, options include requesting their inclusion in future tests, seeking an extended family DNA analysis, or investigating their biological lineage through genealogical research.
💡 Awareness of excluded relatives might not alter your genealogical research, but it can enrich your understanding of your ancestral background.
There are two types of results from a DNA paternity test: Exclusion and Inclusion
1. Exclusion – The person tested is NOT the biological parent. A paternity exclusion indicates that the tested man is not the true biological father of the child, for example
2. Inclusion– The person tested IS proven to be the biological parent through DNA testing with over a 99% certainty, as it would match up exactly with their own personal DNA profile.
One possible reason for an exclusion result on a DNA paternity test is that the tested individual was never actually biologically related to the child in the first place. For example, if a mother is married and has another partner at the time she gives birth, it’s possible that he could be mistakenly identified as the biological father of her child.
Another possible explanation is that the genetic material used in the DNA testing sample was somehow contaminated, or that there was a technical error with the test itself.
Regardless of why an exclusion result occurs on a DNA paternity test, it’s important to remember that this does not mean that the tested individual is necessarily lying about being the biological parent. Rather, it’s simply an indication that the test was unable to conclusively prove this relationship.
There may be other available testing methods, such as analysis of mitochondrial DNA or Y chromosome testing, which can still provide a more definitive answer. Ultimately, the best course of action is to consult with a geneticist or genetic counselor in order to make informed decisions about the next steps.
What is an excluded relative on a DNA test and what does it mean for your results?
When you take a DNA test, you are hoping to learn about your ancestry and genetic makeup. However, the results of your test may not be as clear-cut as you expect. One possible outcome is that you may have one or more “excluded relatives.” An excluded relative is someone who shares DNA with you, but who is not included in your list of potential matches. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most likely explanation is that you are related to this person through a very distant ancestor. In other words, your relationship is so far back that it is not possible to determine how you are related using current DNA technology. While it can be frustrating to have an excluded relative, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your results are wrong. It just means that there is more work to be done in order to learn about your family history.
How do you know if you have any excluded relatives and how can you find them?
One way to find out if you have any excluded relatives is to look through your family tree. If you notice any gaps in the tree, or if you have any relatives who are not listed, it is possible that they have been excluded. Another way to find out if you have any excluded relatives is to ask your family members if they know of anyone who has been left out of the family. Often, excluded relatives are the result of conflict or estrangement, and family members may be reluctant to talk about them. However, if you can get your family members to open up, they may be able to provide you with information about any excluded relatives. Finally, you can also try searching public records for information about your ancestors. If you find any records that mention an ancestor who was excluded from the family, it is likely that you have found an excluded relative.
What should you do if you find out that one of your relatives is excluded from your DNA test results?
If you are taking a DNA test to learn more about your family history, you may be surprised to find out that one of your relatives is excluded from your results. While this can be confusing, there are a few possible explanations. First, it is important to remember that DNA tests can only provide information about direct relatives, such as parents, grandparents, and siblings. If the relative in question is a cousin or other distant relative, they will not appear in your results. Additionally, DNA tests can only provide information about people who have taken the same test. So, if your relative has not yet been tested, they will not appear in your results. Finally, keep in mind that DNA tests are not always accurate. If you have any doubts about your results, you can always retest or consult with a genetic counselor.
Can excluded relatives still be included in a DNA test with extended family members?
In recent years, DNA testing has become increasingly popular as a way to learn more about one’s family history. Often, these tests are taken by people who are interested in finding out more about their ancestors or connecting with distant relatives. However, DNA tests can also be used to exclude certain relatives from a family tree. For example, if a person is adopted, they may take a DNA test in order to find their biological parents. In other cases, people may take a DNA test in order to prove that they are not related to someone whom they suspect is not their real relative. In either case, excluded relatives can still be included in a DNA test if they are willing to provide a sample of their DNA. By including excluded relatives in a DNA test, it can help to provide a more complete picture of one’s family history. Ultimately, whether or not to include excluded relatives in a DNA test is a personal decision. However, it is important to remember that excluded relatives can still play an important role in discovering more about one’s family history.
How will knowing about excluded relatives affect your family tree research?
Family trees can be tricky to research, as they often include branches that have been cut off or trimmed. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as adoptions, marriages, and other familial relationships. As a result, it’s important to be aware of excluded relatives when conducting family tree research. Otherwise, you may end up with incomplete or inaccurate information. Knowing about excluded relatives can also help to fill in gaps in your family history. For example, if you know that your great-grandfather had a brother who was adopted by another family, you can try to track down that branch of the family and learn more about them. In short, being aware of excluded relatives is an essential part of conducting effective family tree research.
Excluded relatives are those that are not related to you by blood. They may be a step-parent, spouse, or other relative who is not biologically related to you
-You can find out if you have any excluded relatives by ordering a DNA test and looking at the results. The report will list all of your genetic matches, as well as which ones are included in your test and which ones are excluded
-If you find out that one of your relatives is excluded from your DNA test results, there are several things you can do: You can contact the person who administered the test and ask them to include the relative in their next round of testing; You can order an extended family DNA test that includes all of the relatives who were excluded from your original test; or You can add the relative’s information to your family tree research and try to track down their biological parents yourself
-Knowing about excluded relatives will not affect your family tree research in any way, but it may change how you view some of the relationships in your tree.
Related: Can you sue for lying about paternity?
FAQ:
Q: What does excluded mean on a DNA test?
A: When someone is “excluded” as a possible biological parent or relative in a DNA test, it means that the test results do not show a match or connection between their DNA and the DNA being tested. This means that the person tested is not the biological parent or relative being considered.
Q: What is a paternity test?
A: A paternity test is a type of DNA test that determines whether a man is the biological father of a specific child. The test compares the DNA of the man, the child, and sometimes the mother to establish if there is a genetic relationship between them.
Q: What are paternity test results?
A: Paternity test results are the outcome of a paternity DNA test. The results show the probability of paternity, indicating the likelihood that the tested man is the biological father of the child.
Q: What is a combined paternity index?
A: The combined paternity index (CPI) is a numerical value calculated based on the DNA test results. It represents the likelihood that an alleged father is the biological father compared to a random, untested man from the same population. A higher CPI indicates a stronger probability of paternity.
Q: How are paternity DNA test results obtained?
A: Paternity DNA test results are obtained by analyzing the DNA samples provided by the individuals involved. The samples are typically collected using swabs from the inside of the cheek. The DNA is then analyzed in a laboratory to compare the genetic markers and determine the probability of paternity.
Q: What does the DNA test show?
A: The DNA test shows the genetic information obtained from the samples. It can reveal the presence or absence of certain genetic markers that are used to establish relationships, such as parentage. The results of the test are used to determine the probability of paternity.
Q: Are the DNA test results always accurate?
A: DNA test results are highly accurate when performed by reputable laboratories using proper scientific procedures. However, it’s important to note that no test is 100% infallible. The accuracy of the results depends on the quality of the samples, the laboratory’s protocols, and the interpretation of the data by qualified professionals.
Q: Can a paternity test be used legally?
A: Yes, a paternity test can be used legally. There are DNA tests available that provide court-admissible results, which means the results can be used in legal proceedings such as child custody cases, inheritance disputes, or immigration cases where paternity needs to be established.
Q: What happens during DNA collection and submission?
A: During DNA collection, swabs are used to collect a sample of cells from the inside of the cheek. The collection process is simple and painless. The collected samples are then properly documented, packaged, and submitted to the laboratory for analysis. It’s important that the collection process is witnessed and follows the required protocols to ensure the integrity of the samples.
Q: How does the probability of paternity percentage relate to the test results?
A: The probability of paternity percentage is a numerical value provided in the test results. It indicates the estimated likelihood of paternity based on the DNA analysis. A higher percentage indicates a stronger probability that the tested man is the biological father, while a lower percentage indicates a lower probability.

Throughout his career, Andras Kovacs has developed a deep understanding of DNA and its applications in genealogy and genetic testing. He has helped thousands of individuals uncover their ancestral heritage, using cutting-edge DNA analysis to trace family lineages and reveal connections across generations.