DNA Test – Elgin, IL

Schedule Now

Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Elgin, Illinois at 2 testing laboratories. Call (847) 457-4600 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.

Workforce Screening, Digitally Delivered

Very quick results. Keep up the good job. All of the people spoken to are very cordial. Well trained.
Marcus C Young
12/11/2020
quick and easy very kind people. Elgin Illinois DNA
Marcus C Young
12/1/2020
Thanks for your help Louis. Customer Service was excellent. Used your paternity services in Elgin, IL.
Melissa S.
5/24/2016
Star Rating
5 out of 5 stars (3 reviews)

DNA Test – Elgin, Illinois

Elgin IL DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Elgin, Illinois

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Elgin 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:

account_circle
Grandparent DNA Test (if the father is not available for testing)
account_circle
Sibling DNA Test (possible brothers, sisters, or half-siblings)
account_circle
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 Elgin 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:

library_add_check
to change the name on a birth certificate
library_add_check
to petition for child support
library_add_check
to petition for survivor benefits
library_add_check
for child custody arrangements
library_add_check
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:

blur_on
Q-tips
blur_on
Stained garments
blur_on
Mucus and other bodily fluids
blur_on
Soda cans
blur_on
Chewing gum

How to schedule a DNA Test in Elgin IL

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Elgin 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 Elgin, 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 Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin

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 Elgin 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 Elgin 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 Elgin, the state of Elgin, Illinois, and throughout the nation.  The first DNA test that Health Street provided in Elgin, IL was in 2018.

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 Elgin. 

Elgin, Illinois – DNA Testing

Establishing paternity in Elgin, Illinois

The husband is considered the legal father if a baby is born into a marriage in Illinois. However, paternity should be established if the child is born outside marriage. In Elgin, Illinois, parents can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage if they agree about paternity. If they disagree on who the biological father is, then they may choose to go to court.

In court, the judge can determine paternity using a DNA test. The test is an accurate way of proving whether the man is the child’s father or not. Professionals usually perform DNA testing using a simple and painless cheek swab, which is sent to a certified lab to be examined by experts. When legal paternity is established, the judge can also establish custody, parenting time, and child support.

Elgin, IL: Benefits of establishing paternity

Over the years, research has shown that children can benefit from having both parents in their lives. When parents establish paternity, the father often has the same rights and responsibilities as the mother, and can help make decisions for the child regarding issues like education. This can provide children with additional benefits from the father, such as inheritance, insurance, social security, and veteran benefits. Establishing paternity can also make it easier for children to access both parents’ medical histories, which can help identify possible genetic diseases and result in a more straightforward diagnosis of genetic disorders.

Studies show that children who know both of their parents can have a better sense of identity, more emotional support, and even make healthier lifestyle decisions later on. Children who are missing one or both parents are more likely to perform poorly in school and less likely to pursue higher education. They are also more likely to engage in negative lifestyle choices, such as drug or alcohol use.

Last updated 10/27/2022

Neighborhoods in Elgin Served by our Clinics

location_city
South Elgin
location_city
Sleepy Hollow
location_city
West Dundee
location_city
East Dundee
location_city
Gilberts
location_city
Valley View
location_city
Carpentersville
location_city
Berner Estates
location_city
Almora Heights
location_city
Summerhill
location_city
Sunset Park
location_city
Elgin Subdivisions

Additional Services

We also offer other services, such as:

playlist_add
Illinois Background Check for Employers in Elgin, IL

Citations

menu_book
Starting a case for parentage in court. Illinois Legal Aid Online. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/starting-case-parentage-court
menu_book
What are the benefits of establishing paternity in Illinois? (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.andersonandassociatespc.com/schaumburg-divorce-lawyer/what-are-the-benefits-of-establishing-paternity-in-illinois