Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Downey, California at our centrally located testing laboratory. Call (562) 317-8876 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.
Types of DNA Tests at our Downey, California 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:
The type of DNA test you order depends on your needs. For example:
arrow_right_altA Grandparent DNA Test is used when the father is not available for testing.
arrow_right_altA sibling DNA test confirms relationships between possible brothers, sisters, or half-siblings.
arrow_right_altAvuncular DNA tests confirm relationships between aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.
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 Downey DNA testing technicians are trained to follow these guidelines so that the results will be legally admissible.
How to schedule a DNA Test in Downey CA
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Downey 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 Downey, plus many more locations throughout California 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
Over a Decade of Experience
Health Street has been performing DNA testing nationally since
2010. The first DNA test in Downey, CA 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 Downey that they need.
Downey, California - DNA Testing
Establishing paternity in Downey, CA
Establishing paternity in Downey, California, is necessary for unwed parents when the child is born. To establish paternity, parents must sign a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDP) or go to court and let the judge establish paternity. It is important to note that parents should only sign a VDP if they are sure of the biological father's identity. Until paternity is established, the biological father will not be considered the legal father, which means he will not have the same rights and responsibilities as the mother.
Once the paternity is established, parents can also establish visitation hours, custody, and child support. If either parent does not agree on the identity of the biological father, then the court can order the father and the child to undergo a DNA test. DNA testing will check to see if there is a father-child relationship.
Establishing parentage is also essential for same-sex parenting if the parents are not married. The law that covers parentage can be complicated to understand, and many parents ask a family law facilitator or lawyer for further information about their specific situation.
Downey, CA: Denial of paternity
If a Downey man disagrees that he is the biological father of a child, he has every right to request DNA testing to determine whether he is or isn't the father. DNA testing is usually a rapid and simple procedure such as a cheek swab. After the swab, the DNA sample goes to the laboratory, where they can determine whether the child and the father have a biological relationship.
Although at-home DNA tests are often very reliable, they are usually not accepted by the court as evidence. Health Street offers both at-home DNA tests and legal DNA tests. For parents just looking for peace of mind, the at-home DNA test can determine paternity with 99.9% certainty, just as a legal DNA test can. However, if parents are looking for court-admissible evidence, it is crucial that they go to a clinic for professional DNA testing.
DNA Test Helps Kidnapped Sisters Reunite with Their Family
Pepper and Renee Smith were just three and five years old when they were kidnapped by their babysitter, Shirley Berthelot. The girls were dragged all over the country, from California to Florida, living in seedy hotels and witnessing unspeakable things. When Berthelot got a job in Downey, CA, the girls finally enrolled in school and "settled" there until Berthelot died of pancreatic cancer.
As they grew older, Pepper began to search for her real family. Unfortunately, she found that she "didn't exist" in any official records. However, she refused to give up. The search took many bizarre twists and turns. It made a breakthrough when the girls' biological mother, Jehri Coleman, saw their story on NBC's Dateline. She then took a DNA test which confirmed their relationship.
Coleman and the Smith sisters were reunited. Despite the confusing circumstances surrounding their kidnapping and their mother's inability to seek them out, they've forgiven her. They've also reunited with other family members, including several cousins and their brother, Raymond.
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Downey, California
