A DNA test profile is a set of DNA markers (up to 15) used to solve paternity and identity questions. The set of markers includes the FBI CODIS markers used for forensic evidence (up to 13).
The names of the markers (or loci) represent their location on the chromosome. Each marker location (or 'locus') shows two alleles, represented by numbers on the report. In this case the allele numbers represent a measurement at the marker. One of these allele numbers comes from a biological father, one from the mother.
For paternity tests with positive results, the child must receive one allele from the tested father at all locations, there should be matches for each marker.
(Note: In some cases there are natural mutations, where the child has a slightly higher or lower value than the father, but it is rare. When it does happen, it is noted on the report. For this tutorial, assume no natural mutations exist.)
