DNA Test - Charleston, WV

Name: DNA Test - Charleston WV
Telephone: (304) 205-0784
Price range: $350-$850
Rating: 4.86654338110649

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Charleston, West Virginia at 7 conveniently located testing laboratories. Call (304) 205-0784 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 Charleston WV

Types of DNA Tests at our Charleston WV clinics:

Paternity Testing can conclusively establish whether or not a man is the biological father of a child.

Relationship Testing for other close family relationships can be performed at our testing centers. Our DNA testing services can confirm or deny biological relationships between grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, half-siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews:

Grandparent DNA Test (if the father is not available for testing)

Sibling DNA Test (possible brothers, sisters, or half-siblings)

Avuncular DNA Test (aunt/uncle and niece/nephew)

Specimens we can test for DNA

The easiest and most reliable way to obtain a DNA sample for paternity testing is to swab the inner cheeks of the alleged father and child or children. These skin cells are known as buccal cells, and they rub off easily onto cotton swabs and remain in place for analysis by our laboratory.

Other specimen samples, such as hair follicles, fingernails, and garments that might contain someone's DNA, can also be tested. An Alternative Specimen DNA Test is done by ordering one of our testing kits online and shipping the specimens back to us.

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

A Legal Paternity Test is a court admissible lab testing service performed at an AABB accredited laboratory. Accurate results for DNA paternity testing with 99.99% confidence or greater take about a week.

When deciding which type of DNA test is right for you, consider first what you might do with the results. A legal paternity DNA test will hold up in court for such matters as child support or to change the name on a birth certificate. This test must be performed using strict chain of custody procedures. Our Charleston DNA testing technicians are trained to follow these guidelines so that the results will be legally admissible.

How to schedule a DNA Test in Charleston WV

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Charleston clinics is simple and fast, and we often have appointments available in the same week. It's always helpful to schedule in advance to make sure you get the time you want. Please call our customer service team to help you book your appointment over the phone, or set up your appointment easily online.

We have state of the art testing labs and friendly clinics that perform the DNA sample collection in Charleston, plus many more locations throughout West Virginia and across the United States. During registration, we'll show you the nearest locations for DNA testing so you can choose the site that's most convenient. You'll also pick the times and days that you prefer.

Why Health Street

A Decade Plus of Experience

Health Street has provided DNA tests since 2010. We have provided DNA tests and paternity tests to thousands of people in Charleston as well as communities all across the nation.

Commitment to Community

We are committed to serving the unique needs and sometimes emotionally fraught situations of our clients needing DNA tests in Charleston, West Virginia.

Charleston, WV DNA Testing

What Are DNA Tests Used For?

Individuals who wish to establish paternity, determine child support or custody, and change birth certificates may need to undergo DNA testing in Charleston, WV. Learn more about the use of genetic screenings below.

Paternity Testing

For unmarried parents in Charleston, paternity testing is an important step to ensure both parents have responsibilities and rights toward their child. This process becomes particularly important when there's uncertainty about the child's biological father. Confirming paternity helps clarify parental responsibilities and form the legal ground for child support and custody decisions.

Child Custody and Support

Child custody and support can only be decided if legal paternity is established first. In cases of doubt, DNA testing can be used to confirm the child's biological father, consequently preventing cases of mistaken paternity. Once paternity is established, the father may seek custody and may be responsible for child support.

Changing a Birth Certificate

In cases of mistaken paternity, the legal father was thought to be the biological father, and paternity has been established incorrectly. In these cases, individuals may turn to DNA testing to identify the true biological father and prove mistaken paternity. Following this, the birth certificate can be changed. However, the Family Court may decline the changes even if the DNA results show the man is not the biological father. Each case is unique, and the court prioritizes the child's best interests.

How DNA Tests Are Analyzed

For a DNA test, both parties provide samples (cheek swabs or hair follicles), which are analyzed in our certified laboratories. The samples are then compared in our certified laboratories, using 21 genetic markers to establish their relationship. A detailed report will be sent when results are available.

How Long Does It Take to Receive DNA Test Results?

It can take up to two weeks to receive DNA test results, depending on the type of samples provided. Usually, DNA test results for cheek swabs are available within one week. If hair follicles were provided, it can take a little longer, usually up to two weeks.

Establishing Paternity in West Virginia

In West Virginia, paternity can be established in three ways:

By marriage, where the husband is automatically recognized as the legal father.
Through a Voluntary Paternity Affidavit, legally acknowledging the man as the father.
By court order, often necessitating a DNA test, especially when paternity is in question.

Health Street's DNA testing services in Charleston, WV, stand out by providing accurate, confidential, and timely results. Whether for legal documentation or personal clarity, our process is smooth, painless, efficient, and highly accurate.

Last updated 12/19/2023