DNA Test - Birmingham, AL

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Birmingham, Alabama at 6 testing laboratories. Call (205) 526-4194 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 a 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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Great customer service and friendly, knowledgeable staff! I needed a paternity test for my son for his deceased father for birth certificate reason and Louis showed compassion and knowledge of the situation and helped during a very hard time!!
John C.
8/31/2021
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Very helpful. You feel the love and care from them.
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4/5/2017
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Delano was very helpful !
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4/11/2016
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DNA Test - Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham AL DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Birmingham, Alabama

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham AL

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Birmingham 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 Birmingham, plus many more throughout Alabama 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham

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

Why Health Street

More than a Decade of Experience

Since 2010, Health Street has offered DNA tests in Birmingham, the state of Birmingham, Alabama, and throughout the nation.  The first DNA test that Health Street provided in Birmingham, AL was in 2019.

Commitment to Excellence

Our mission is to understand the DNA testing needs of our clients. We strive to provide the most accurate, fast, and conclusive paternity tests in Birmingham. 

Birmingham, Alabama - DNA Testing

Establishing paternity in Birmingham, AL

If the parents are not married when the child is born, then the child does not automatically have a legal father. Paternity must be established for the father to have legal rights toward the child, including visitation hours, custody, or even to be part of other important decision-making processes. If paternity is not established, the father's name will not be listed on the child's birth certificate. The child may not have access to certain benefits from the father, including health insurance, inheritance, social security, or medical history. Paternity must also be established for child support orders.

In Alabama, parents can establish paternity by voluntarily signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity, or they can file a petition to the court and a judge will establish it. When there is a disagreement between parents regarding the biological father, usually DNA testing is required for the judge to establish paternity.

In Alabama, the ex-husband is considered the biological father if the child is born within 300 days of divorce.

DNA test introduces Alabama family to new family member

Cindy took a DNA test to learn more about her heritage, but found a niece she never knew existed—Kristen.

Kristen was adopted as a child, and a few years ago, she took a DNA test to discover her biological family. At about the same time, Cindy received a DNA kit as a gift. She waited a couple of years to take it, and then discovered she had a niece. The rest of the family was eager to meet her!

Kristen did not get to meet her father, but she gained a whole family who openly welcomed her amongst them. They even made customized t-shirts saying "Family Strong You Belong." They said they could see the resemblance of many of them in her face, and she belonged in their beautiful and happy family.

Last updated 8/15/2022

Locations

Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Birmingham, Alabama

790 Montclair Road Suite 120 Birmingham, AL 35213
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PMT: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PMW: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PMTh: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PMF: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM About this Location: The Birmingham Zoo is a popular destination for families and animal lovers. It's home to around 800 animals of 200 species, including sea lions, zebras, and giraffes. The zoo also offers interactive exhibits, such as the Predator Zone and the Sea Lion feeding show.
101 Doug Baker Blvd Birmingham, AL 35242
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(M Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)T: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(T Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)W: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(W Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)Th: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(Th Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)F: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(F Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM) About this Location: Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park, is located a short distance from our location. It offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and camping.
737 Montgomery Hwy Birmingham, AL 35216
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM(M Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)T: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM(T Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)W: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM(W Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)Th: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM(Th Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM)F: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM(F Lunch: 12:30-1:30 PM) About this Location: Wald Park is a large public park located close to our clinic. It features a swimming pool, baseball fields, and a playground, making it a popular spot for families and sports enthusiasts.

Neighborhoods in Birmingham Served by our Clinics

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East Thomas
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Ensley Highlands
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Enon Ridge
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Eastwood
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South Titusville
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North Titusville
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Airport Highlands
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Wahouma
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Norwood
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Fairview
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West End
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Green Acres
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Brownsville Heights

Additional Services

Health Street offers a variety of other services, including:

Citations

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Case Number Form PS-04 Petition to Establish Paternity ... - Alacourt.gov. http://eforms.alacourt.gov/media/kshnyglg/petition-to-establish-paternity.pdf.
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Establishing and rebutting paternity in Alabama. Alabama Divorce & Family Lawyers, LLC. (2019, February 25). Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.alabamadivorceandfamilylaw.com/establishing-and-rebutting-paternity-in-alabama/#:~:text=In%20Alabama%2C%20the%20simplest%20way,to%20the%20child's%20birth%20certificate.
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Gooden, A. (2019, March 2). Family reunites with new found family member thanks to DNA test kit. WBMA. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://abc3340.com/news/local/local-woman-reunited-with-new-found-family-member-discovered-through-dna-test