DNA Test – Bethlehem, PA

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at 5 conveniently located testing laboratories. Call (610) 345-7403 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 Testing Bethlehem PA

Bethlehem PA DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Bethlehem PA

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem PA 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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem, plus many more throughout Pennsylvania 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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem

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 Pennsylvania as well as nationwide, so we can test one party in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem or elsewhere are shipped securely from our testing locations to a nationally certified laboratory.

Why Health Street

A Decade Plus of Experience

Health Street has provided DNA tests since 2010. The first DNA test we performed in Bethlehem, PA was in 2017.

Commitment to Community

Health Street is committed to serving the needs of the community for DNA testing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – DNA Testing

Establishing paternity in Bethlehem, PA

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, unwed parents can establish paternity voluntarily by agreeing on the child’s biological father. This can be done by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP), typically at the hospital or birth center after the child is born. Once filed with the Department of Public Welfare, the father’s name can be added to the child’s birth certificate, and he will become the legal father.

When parents are unsure or disagree about paternity, they can petition the court to establish paternity, which often involves DNA testing. The judge may request a DNA test from both the alleged father and the child to provide evidence of their biological relationship. Although a positive test result can support the judge’s decision to establish paternity, it is not always necessary. The judge can still establish paternity even if the test results are negative, as other evidence may be considered. Once paternity is established, decisions on custody, visitation, and child support can be made. It is important to establish paternity before any of these decisions can be made.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Benefits of establishing paternity

Once paternity has been established the child may be eligible for multiple benefits. Some of them can include:

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Having both parents listed on the birth certificate
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Access to the medical history of both sides of the family
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Inheritance rights
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Social Security
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Health and life insurance
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Military benefits
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Child support

Additionally, a child’s emotional well-being can be positively impacted by having the opportunity to develop strong relationships with both parents. This can lead to a greater sense of self-identity and emotional support, as well as the ability to establish meaningful connections with both parents. Research has shown that children who have relationships with both parents have a higher likelihood of leading happy and healthy lives.

Last updated 2/15/2023

Neighborhoods in Bethlehem Served by our Clinics

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Airport Industrial
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Bicentennial Park
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Birchwood Estates
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Broadhead
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Broad Street
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Fountain Hill
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Hellertown
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Redington
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Catasauqua
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Allentown
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North Catasauqua
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Fullerton

Additional Services

We also offer other services, such as:

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Pennsylvania Background Check for Bethlehem, PA businesses

Citations

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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (2017). Medical Assistance Eligibility Determination. Retrieved from http://services.dpw.state.pa.us/oimpolicymanuals/ma/PA_CS_0611.pdf
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PA Child Support Program. Pennsylvania Child Support Program. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/csws/