DNA Testing – Downey, California
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Downey, California at a 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.
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DNA Testing Downey CA
Types of DNA Tests at our Downey CA 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:
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.
Facts about DNA Testing in Downey CA
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 in 1986.
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.
Downey, CA Paternity Fraud
Downey, CA resident, William J. Kelly, shared his story of how he was impacted by what he calls “unfair” paternity laws. It began when his ex-girlfriend took him to court to establish paternity. Believing he was the father, he signed the required paperwork and agreed to begin paying child support.
Ten years later, based on suspicions that were raised by things the child said, he decided to take a DNA paternity test. This revealed that he was excluded from being the child’s biological father. He went to court to have the paternity ruling set aside. Unfortunately, he was told by the commissioner that “until the legislation is changed, my hands are tied.” According to California law, when both parents voluntarily sign a declaration of paternity, it can only be rescinded within 60 days from the date of the signature.
In 11 years, Kelly says he spent no more than 30 days with the girl, yet the courts say he held her out as his own. At the time of the statement, he had been ordered to pay $589 per month in child support, plus $20,000 in back payments — despite proving that he was not the child’s biological father. This highlights the importance of taking a DNA test before signing a declaration of paternity.
Establishing Paternity in Downey, CA
According to Downey, CA firm Steve Lopez Attorneys at Law, paternity is never assumed for unmarried couples. Signing a child’s birth certificate is also not enough to establish legal paternity. If an unwed father wants visitation and custody rights, he must sign a declaration of paternity. This will give him the full rights and responsibilities involved in raising a child, including the requirement to pay child support. When paternity is disputed, a man will typically need to take a DNA test to confirm whether he is the child’s biological father.
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Downey, California
Neighborhoods in Downey Served by our Clinics
Additional Services
We also offer other services, such as: