DNA Test – Huntsville, TX

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Huntsville, Texas at our centrally located testing laboratory. Call (936) 209-8221 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.

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DNA Test – Huntsville, Texas

Huntsville TX DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Huntsville, Texas

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville TX

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Huntsville 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 Huntsville, plus many more throughout Texas 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville

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 Texas as well as nationwide, so we can test one party in Huntsville 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 Huntsville or elsewhere are shipped securely from our testing locations to a nationally certified laboratory.

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 Huntsville as well as communities all across the nation.

Dedicated to Excellence

We are proud to help families and individuals get DNA testing in Huntsville. 

Local Testing DNA

Proving Paternity for Child Custody Purposes in Huntsville, TX and Walker County

In Huntsville, TX and Walker County, if a child is born to two parents that are married, proving and establishing paternity is not necessary, and the husband will be presumed to be the child’s legal father. However, if the child is born to two parents that are not married, paternity will need to be established. Establishing paternity gives the child a legal father, which gives the father rights and obligations to the child.

In Huntsville, TX and Walker County, paternity can be established voluntarily by both parents signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity form. This can only be done if the mother and father agree that the man is the child’s father. If one parent does not want to sign the document, a court order may be needed to prove paternity, and DNA testing may be requested by the court.

Experts Say…

The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC discusses the importance of establishing paternity. “As far as you are concerned, you will be able to have your name on the child’s birth certificate. This is probably the most important legal document that you will be able to get your name on, other than any orders from a judge that establish paternity and provide custody, visitation, and possession rights in you. Establishing paternity goes towards solidifying your role in your child’s life moving forward. If your child’s mother is hostile to you being a part of your child’s life then you especially need that legal designation. Without it, you will not be guaranteed any time with your child. If you want to play an active role in parenting your child then you need to be established as that child’s father.”

Neighborhoods In and Around Huntsville That We Serve

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Canyon Ranch
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Deers Run
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Dodge
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Dogwood Lake Estates
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Four Notch/Southwood
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Lake Livingston Heights
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Mathis Dairy Rd
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Pine Ridge
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Possum Walk
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River Wood Oak Wood & Lsv

Additional Services

We also offer other services, such as:

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Texas Background Check for Employers in Huntsville, TX

Citations

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Krause, Beth A. T. “Paternity in Texas.” DivorceNet, https://www.divorcenet.com/resources/paternity-texas.html
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“Acknowledgement of Paternity.” Texas Attorney General, https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support/paternity/acknowledgement-paternity-aop
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“Hochschild, Evan. “Establishing paternity in Texas: Why it matters to you even if you’re not the father.” Law Office of Bryan Fagan PLLC, 24 January 2020, https://www.bryanfagan.com/family-law-blog/2020/january/establishing-paternity-in-texas-why-it-matters-t/
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“Discover your Huntsville neighborhood.” Nextdoor, https://nextdoor.com/city/huntsville–tx/