DNA Test - Chicago, IL

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Chicago, Illinois at 10 testing laboratories. Call (312) 260-1147 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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Great Service, ASAP
Great service, called for my copy DNA and was sent to my Gmail ASAP! THAKS AGAIN.
Mark S.
10/28/2021
Satisfied Excellent Assistance
Louis was very satisfied and excellent he help me to make an appointment for DNA Text
Ramona
6/13/2017
Great Paternity Testing
paternity testing services were done well. not using my real name, but i want to share this for other men who need to know where to go for DNA test. go here, they were great.
Andrew
1/23/2016
Kind, Courteous Service
Jared was very kind and courteous and explained everything setting up a DNA test for my son and grandchild in Chicago on Canfield
Fran
12/31/2015
Star Rating
5 out of 5 stars (4 reviews)

DNA Test - Chicago, Illinois

Chicago IL DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Chicago, Illinois

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago IL

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Chicago 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 Chicago, plus many more throughout Illinois 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago

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 Illinois as well as nationwide, so we can test one party in Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago, IL performed by Health Street was in 2018.In fact, we have successfully completed 56 DNA tests at Chicago testing centers since then.

Dedication to Excellence

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

Chicago, Illinois - DNA testing

Establishing paternity in Chicago, Illinois

There are three ways of establishing paternity in Chicago, IL:

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The court judicially established and entered an order of paternity
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HFS' Child Support Services establish and enter an Administrative Paternity Order
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The mother and father sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP) form

If the parents decide to sign the VAP form, it needs to be witnessed and filed with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. One of the easiest ways for parents to establish paternity is to complete a VAP form at the hospital when the child is born. Hospital staff can provide a VAP form and help complete it.

Challenging paternity in Chicago, IL

If a man marries a woman and then she has a baby, he is presumed to be the father. Perhaps the two were not married, but they did sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity, in which case the man is also the legal father of the child. But what if the man is not sure that he is the biological father?

When this situation arises in Chicago, IL a person has the right to challenge a presumption of paternity with "clear and concise evidence." According to the Law Office of Russel D. Knight, a DNA test must be performed. In Cook County, the court will appoint a DNA tester, the alleged father and the child go to take the DNA sample on different days or at different times, and then the testing facility issues the DNA report to the judge.

Individuals considering challenging paternity in Chicago should bear in mind that there is a time limit on when you can ask for a DNA test. An action to establish the non-existence of the parent-child relationship should be brought up to a maximum of two years since the person was initially suspicious.

For example, this might happen after divorce. If an individual has suspicions about paternity, he should not wait and should address it immediately. The timeframe in which the paternity can be contested can be extended if, for example, the mother knew that the alleged father is not the biological father.

Last updated 6/9/2022

Locations

Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Chicago, Illinois

233 E Erie Street Suite 602 Chicago, IL 60611
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(M Lunch: 11-1 PM)T: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(T Lunch: 11-1 PM)W: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(W Lunch: 11-1 PM)Th: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(Th Lunch: 11-1 PM)F: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(F Lunch: 11-1 PM) About this Location: Lake Shore Park, a green oasis in the bustling city, is within a few blocks of our location. It features a running track, tennis courts, and a playground, providing a great place for outdoor activities.
111 N Wabash Avenue Suite 1710 Chicago, IL 60602
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(M Lunch: 11-2 PM)T: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(T Lunch: 11-2 PM)W: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(W Lunch: 11-2 PM)Th: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(Th Lunch: 11-2 PM)F: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(F Lunch: 11-2 PM)Sa: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM About this Location: The Art Institute of Chicago, a short distance from our clinic, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. It houses a collection that spans 5,000 years and represents cultures from around the globe.
4011 W 63rd Street Chicago, IL 60629
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(M Lunch: 11-2 PM)T: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(T Lunch: 11-2 PM)W: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(W Lunch: 11-2 PM)Th: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(Th Lunch: 11-2 PM)F: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM(F Lunch: 11-2 PM) About this Location: West Lawn Park, located a few blocks from our location, is a smaller but well-maintained park. It offers a playground, baseball fields, and a fieldhouse with a gymnasium. It's a great place for families and sports enthusiasts.
3046 N Halstad Street Chicago, IL 60657
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

Please call for hours. About this Location: Gallagher Way, a lively open-air destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment, is located near our location. It offers a variety of events throughout the year, including farmers markets, movie nights, and concerts.

Neighborhoods In and Around Chicago That We Serve

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Oakland
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South Loop
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Brighton Park
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Lower West Side
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Albany Park
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Wicker Park
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East Side
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Englewood
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South Side

Additional Services

Health Street offers a variety of other services, including:

Citations

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Paternity information you should know. Paternity Information You Should Know | HFS. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/ChildSupport/FormsBrochures/Pages/hfs3282.aspx
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How to deny paternity in Illinois - Russell D. knight. Russell D. Knight | Family Lawyer Chicago. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://rdklegal.com/how-do-i-deny-paternity-in-chicago-illinois/
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750 ILCS 46/205. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000460K205.htm