Can DNA Testing Be Wrong?

Many people have been affected by wrongful convictions due to faulty DNA results. There have also been instances where ambiguous data was used to draw incorrect biological conclusions about patient conditions. Improper DNA testing can have serious and far-reaching consequences, so it is worth addressing directly: can DNA testing be wrong?

The more precise question is not whether DNA testing can produce an inaccurate result, because it occasionally has. The science of DNA itself is not flawed. Instead, errors arise from misunderstandings, sample mishandling, equipment malfunctions, and programming errors that lead people to draw incorrect conclusions. These factors summarize the serious challenges that DNA testing presents when proper quality assurance is not followed.

Reasons DNA Testing Can Be Wrong

There are several ways a DNA test result can be inaccurate, none of which are related to the underlying science:

Sample mishandling: DNA samples can be incorrectly labeled, contaminated, or manipulated, leading to results that do not reflect the actual person being tested.
Laboratory error: Human error in the lab, including mistakes in processing or analysis, can produce incorrect results.
Equipment or software failure: Malfunctions in sequencing equipment or errors in bioinformatics software can lead to flawed output.
Interpretation errors: Even accurate raw data can be misinterpreted, particularly when results are ambiguous or when the analyst lacks sufficient expertise.
Chain of custody failures: In legal contexts, failure to properly document the handling of a DNA sample can compromise its reliability as evidence.

What to Do if Your DNA Results Seem Wrong

If your DNA results seem inaccurate or difficult to understand, there are clear steps you can take. Understanding how any mistakes may have occurred is the first priority. The best option when results are confusing is to have another test performed by a reputable laboratory, and to seek the advice of a professional who can help analyze your DNA findings, such as a genetic counselor or geneticist.

It is important to note that it is extremely unlikely for a properly conducted DNA test to produce a false result. Errors in DNA testing do not come from the science itself. They come from the wrongful application of that science. When proper procedures are followed by an accredited laboratory, DNA testing is highly accurate.

Choosing a Reliable DNA Testing Provider

Choosing a reputable, accredited DNA testing provider is the single most important step you can take to ensure accurate results. Sequencing offers CLIA-certified, clinical-grade whole genome sequencing that reads 100% of your DNA across over 30,000 genes, with rigorous quality control at every stage of the process.

Learn more about whole genome sequencing from Sequencing or upload your existing DNA data for free to get started.

Learn More

Would you like to learn more about DNA tests? Read our other articles in the Education Center: