DNA Tests

DNA tests, including Paternity tests, are simple, affordable and scientifically accurate. All it takes is a swab of the inner cheek to find out if two people are related.

Legal DNA test

The results of a legal DNA test can be used for any legal reason, such as changing the name on a birth certificate, petitioning for child support, or altering inheritance procedures or wills.  Legal DNA tests are typically performed by a cheek swab at one of our clinics.  Appointments are required for this service.

At-home DNA tests for peace of mind

At-home DNA testing kits are available for individuals who do not seek any legal use of the results. At-home testing kits are shipped to you, so you can perform them in the comfort of your own home.  (Sorry, at-home DNA tests are not permitted in New York).

Alternative specimen DNA tests

If both parties are not available for cheek swabs, it is possible to use other types of specimens, such as hair, teeth, bodily fluids, or fabric. These options are more expensive, and it is harder to extract the DNA from these surfaces. But, if cheek swabs are not possible, these “alternative” specimen types can be effective and reliable. Typically, test results from alternative specimens cannot be used for legal purposes. For a hair DNA test, we need at least 6 to 10 strands of hair with the follicles intact in order to attempt to extract the DNA. Alternatively, if bodily fluid is on a fabric, we may be able to extract the DNA from it. Obtaining the DNA from someone’s teeth is even more difficult, but it is possible. Keep in mind that if you choose one of these non-cheek swab options, you are taking a risk that the DNA can’t be extracted. (Note that all tests are non-refundable, regardless of whether or not we extract the DNA).  Finally, Health Street’s postmortem DNA testing can be a legally acceptable option for inheritance or survivor benefits purposes if done within a few days of demise.  Call us immediately if you need a postmortem DNA test.

DNA Tests are not just for Paternity

DNA testing is not just for paternity.  We also perform maternity tests, grandparent DNA tests, aunt and uncle tests, and full and half-sibling studies.

Immigration DNA Test

U.S. citizens wanting to sponsor relatives in other countries to legally establish residence in America are frequently asked by the US Immigration Department to prove their relationship via DNA testing. Health Street specializes in collecting specimens for such tests.  Our AABB certified laboratory works with the US consulate offices in over 170 countries around the world. The DNA of the sponsoring party is collected in any of our clinics, and the DNA of the relatives are collected at the US Consulate offices in their home country. Their DNA is then shipped to our laboratory where the analysis is completed. Once the report is ready, it is submitted directly to the Immigration and Naturalization Service to expedite the process.

You want a DNA test but you don’t live near the other person?  No problem!

The two (or more) people involved in a DNA test do not need to come at the same time, or even to the same clinic.  They can be living in different cities across the USA or around the world, and we can still set up an accurate, professional test: we simply match up the specimens in the centralized laboratory and the testing process is exactly the same (additional fees apply).

You want to know your DNA heritage?

Heritage testing can be done to trace your ethnic heritage.  Wouldn’t it be interesting to learn from what part of the world your ancestors came from?  This test is easily self-administered at home by a simple cheek swab. For this test, please call us for more information at 888-378-2499.

DNA Profiling

If you want to create a personal DNA profile to keep on file, or if you want to officially establish your inclusion in a specific group of people (for example, Native American DNA testing), this test is for you. It is administered at one of our professional clinics so that the results can be used for legal purposes. For this test, please call us for more information at 888-378-2499.

In New York State only, DNA tests require a prescription from a doctor, and the lab fees are paid directly to the laboratory.