When you or someone you know takes a polygraph examination, understanding the results is just as important as the test itself. As a certified polygraph examiner with over 30 years of experience, I frequently get asked: "What do my polygraph results actually mean?" This guide breaks down every possible outcome in plain language.
The Four Possible Polygraph Results
1. NDI / NSR — No Deception Indicated / No Significant Response
This is the result most people hope for. NDI (No Deception Indicated) or NSR (No Significant Response) means the examiner found no significant involuntary physiological reactions in the polygraph charts that would indicate deception in response to the pertinent questions asked.
In plain terms: the examinee was found truthful.
The polygraph measures four physiological responses simultaneously — respiration, skin electrical activity (also called galvanic skin response), blood pressure, and heart rate. When a person answers truthfully, these measurements remain relatively stable. An NDI/NSR result means that stability was consistently observed throughout the examination.
2. DI / SR — Deception Indicated / Significant Response
A DI (Deception Indicated) or SR (Significant Response) result means the examiner detected consistent, significant changes in involuntary physiological reactions that can be scientifically explained as deception indicators in response to one or more pertinent questions.
This does not mean the examinee is definitively lying — it means the physiological data is consistent with deception. A qualified examiner will note which specific questions triggered the response.
3. Inconclusive
An Inconclusive result means the examiner could not reach a definitive conclusion based on analyzing the polygraph charts. This is not a failure of the test — it is actually a built-in safeguard that increases the overall reliability and validity of conclusive results.
There are many reasons a result may be inconclusive, including physical or medical conditions, extreme anxiety, or chart quality issues. In most cases, an inconclusive result requires some explanation from the examinee and/or test question modification before a follow-up test is administered.
4. PNC — Purposely Non-Cooperative
A PNC result means the examinee did not comply with the examiner's instructions and/or was detected attempting to deploy countermeasures during the test. Countermeasures are deliberate attempts to manipulate physiological responses to beat the polygraph.
An experienced examiner using sophisticated polygraph equipment and sensors can easily detect countermeasures. A PNC result should be regarded as the equivalent of refusing to take the test.
Are Polygraph Results Admissible in Court?
In California, polygraph results are generally not automatically admissible in court proceedings. However, they may be admitted if both parties stipulate to their use, or in certain specific legal contexts. For legal matters, always consult with an attorney about how polygraph results may apply to your case.
That said, polygraph results are widely used by law enforcement agencies, attorneys (for case building), therapists, employers, and private individuals to establish the truth in complex situations.
What Happens After You Get Your Results?
After the examination, the examiner will provide a written report of their findings. This report documents the questions asked, the physiological data observed, and the examiner's professional conclusion. This written report can be shared with attorneys, therapists, or other relevant parties as needed.
Schedule Your Polygraph Examination in Los Angeles
If you have questions about polygraph results or would like to schedule an examination, contact Global Polygraph & Security. We serve the Greater Los Angeles area including Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, and Orange County. Tests are conducted in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.
📞 424-302-2498 | 📧 oded@90210polygraph.com | 🌐 www.90210polygraph.com
