DNA Test - Amarillo, TX

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Amarillo, Texas at 9 testing laboratories. Call (806) 340-0838 or schedule online. We offer legal paternity tests, sibling studies, grandparent DNA tests, avuncular (aunt or uncle) testing, and postmortem DNA testing to determine if people are biologically related.

Set up DNA testing appointments online. Test results can be used in court for child support or to change a birth certificate; it can also be used for simple peace of mind. Appointments can be scheduled together or separately. Legal DNA tests are done by cheek swab at our testing centers. We can also extract DNA samples from hair follicles, fingernails, and other specimens.

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DNA Test - Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo TX DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Amarillo, Texas

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Amarillo testing centers to validate close family relationships. The most commonly ordered DNA test is a legal paternity test to conclusively establish whether or not a man is the biological father of a child. Health Street's 21 marker DNA paternity testing is the state of the art. Our paternity test results are statistically conclusive at the rate of 99.9% or greater.

Other DNA Tests

Relationship Tests to validate grandparent to grandchild, siblings, half-siblings, aunts, and uncles:

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Grandparent DNA Test (if the father is not available for testing)
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Sibling DNA Test (possible brothers, sisters, or half-siblings)
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Avuncular DNA Test (aunt/uncle and niece/nephew)

DNA tests such as sibling or avuncular studies, can sometimes come back with a result of less than 95% certainty. This is normal, especially if only two parties participate in the test. Adding an additional close relative to the test helps us learn more about the family's DNA composition and typically leads to a more conclusive result.

Specimens we can test for DNA

The easiest and most reliable way to perform a genetic sample collection for a paternity test is by a swab of the inner cheeks. These skin cells, known as buccal cells, rub off easily onto cotton swabs and remain in place, to be extracted by our testing laboratories for analysis.

Other specimens, such as hair follicles, fingernails, and garments that might contain someone's DNA, can also undergo lab testing to see if there is a match. These non-standard DNA tests are done by registering online for an Alternative Specimen DNA Test (Nails, Teeth, Fabric). Once registered, you ship the DNA sample to our lab. We'll attempt to extract the DNA and compare it to a cheek swab of the other party.

Legal DNA Tests vs. "Peace of Mind" At-Home Tests

When deciding which type of DNA test is right for you, consider first what you might do with the results. In order for the results to hold up in court, the DNA specimen must be collected at a clinic using strict chain of custody procedures. The DNA testing technicians at our Amarillo test centers are trained to follow guidelines that ensure that the results can be used for legal purposes.

The results of our legal DNA tests can be used for any legal purpose:

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to change the name on a birth certificate
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to petition for child support
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to petition for survivor benefits
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for child custody arrangements
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to alter inheritance procedures or wills

Home tests offer more flexibility:

Home DNA tests are specimens containing DNA (or possible DNA) that are shipped to us for analysis. The results of these home tests cannot be used in court (since there is no way to prove whose specimens were actually sent). However, the tests are just as accurate and can provide peace of mind. At-home DNA tests also offer a lot more flexibility.

In addition to commonly mailed in DNA specimens like hair follicles, we can also extract DNA from other bodily fluids. We can even try and lift the DNA left on items like clothing, a toothbrush, or a straw. If we can get the DNA from the alternative item, we can then compare it to another person to see if they are related. Some examples include:

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Q-tips
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Stained garments
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Mucus and other bodily fluids
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Soda cans
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Chewing gum

How to schedule a DNA Test in Amarillo TX

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Amarillo clinics is simple and fast, and we often have appointments available in the same week, though it's always helpful to schedule in advance to make sure you get the time you want. We have clinics in Amarillo, plus many more throughout Texas and across the United States. During registration, we'll show you the nearest locations so you can choose the one that's most convenient. You'll pick the times and days that you prefer.

You can set up separate appointments for each of the people being tested, either at the same location or at different locations. You'll get an email and text message with your appointment information. There is no fee if you need to change the time or location of a DNA test appointment at any time.

How long it takes to get results of a DNA test

Paternity tests conducted at one of our Amarillo facilities typically take about a week to come back. Other relationship tests, such as sibling studies, can take a few days longer to come back. When the results are ready, you are notified immediately via email. Then, the hard copies of the paperwork are sent afterward via regular mail.

The DNA test appointment - what to expect and what to bring

The appointment itself only takes about 15 minutes. The specimen collection process is a simple and painless cheek swab. No needles are used. When you're being tested at our Amarillo clinic, you'll be asked to provide fingerprints and to show photo identification. We'll also take pictures of the people being tested so that the final report will include legal assurances of who was actually tested.

For infants, hospital discharge papers qualify as identification. Otherwise, a birth certificate or social security card can be used as ID for a child. No other preparations are required for this appointment.

Does the mother need to be present at a paternity test?

If a man is considered the legal father of a child, then the mother does not have to be present or give consent for paternity testing. However, if he is not currently considered the legal father, then he cannot sign for the child. Therefore, the mother does need to be there. If neither parent is available, other legal guardians can bring the child so long as they have the right to make medical decisions on the child's behalf.

DNA testing if one party is not in Amarillo

The two parties testing (for example: father and child) do not have to be tested at the same time or even at the same location. We have many clinics across Texas as well as nationwide, so we can test one party in Amarillo and the other party anywhere else in the USA. The specimens are then matched up in the lab for analysis.

Laboratory certifications

Health Street works strictly with AABB Certified labs for DNA testing. All specimens that are collected in Amarillo or elsewhere are shipped securely from our testing locations to a nationally certified laboratory.

Why Health Street

Over a Decade of Experience

Health Street has been performing DNA testing nationally since 2010.  The first DNA test in Amarillo, TX performed by Health Street was in 2018.

Dedication to Excellence

Our dedication to excellence includes our commitment to provide compassionate services and to helping people obtain the accurate DNA testing in Amarillo that they need. 

Amarillo, TX - DNA Testing

Establishing Paternity in Amarillo, TX

Under Texas law, when two married Amarillo parents have a child, the law automatically declares the husband to be the biological father. This creates no need to legally establish paternity. However, for unmarried parents, only the mother will possess rights over the child and both parents will need to legally establish paternity for the father to be granted his rights.

Amarillo parents have the ability to establish legal paternity in the state of Texas through the completion of an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP). This legally binding document is used to properly identify the child's biological father and must only be used if there is zero uncertainty in a child's paternity or if DNA paternity testing has been used to identify the biological father.

Navigating Mistaken Paternity in Amarillo, TX

In circumstances of mistaken paternity, the Texas Legislature amended the Texas Family code to now allow the courts to terminate a parent-child relationship. Previously, it was very difficult for parents to revoke a legal paternity establishment, as the courts often required proof of fraud, duress, or material mistake to complete the process.

In the event that a presumed Amarillo father discovers he is not the biological father of a child he has child support obligations for, he will need to file a petition with a Potter County Family court to terminate this relationship. The courts will then request a DNA paternity test that proves he is not the child's biological father. Following a legal hearing, a judge will then make the decision to revoke the legal establishment and remove child support obligations.

Experts in Amarillo, TX Say…

From DNA testing needs to court filings, the paternity establishment process can get a bit difficult for two disagreeing parents. However, this is just the beginning, and these parents will also need to establish a child support agreement in court if they cannot come to terms on one themselves.

According to Amarillo Family Law Lawyer Greg Freeman, Texas law mandates caps on the amount of child support that can be legally ordered from a parent during a support hearing. For example, 20% of a parent's income is the maximum monthly payment amount that can be set for a single child. For two children, this amount is increased to 25%, and then 30% for three children.

Last updated 8/30/2022

Neighborhoods In and Around Amarillo That We Serve

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Heritage Hills
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Lawndale
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Lawrence Park
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North Heights
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Puckett
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Sleepy Hollow
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Stockyards
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Tradewinds
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Westcliff
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Wolfin

Additional Services

Health Street offers a variety of other services, including:

Citations

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"Mistaken Paternity" Ken Paxton Attorney General of Texas, https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/paternity/mistaken-paternity
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"Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)" Ken Paxton Attorney General of Texas, https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/paternity/acknowledgement-paternity-aop
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"Texas Child Support Law" Freeman Nance, LLC Attorneys at Law, https://www.lawyersamarillo.com/family-law/child-support/
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"Amarillo Subdivision Map" Coldwell Banker, https://www.cbamarillo.com/subdivisions