DNA & Paternity Testing – Oceanside, CA

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Oceanside, California at 4 conveniently located testing laboratories. Call (760) 279-8252 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 Oceanside CA

Oceanside CA DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Oceanside CA

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Oceanside 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 Oceanside 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 Oceanside CA

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Oceanside 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 Oceanside, plus many more throughout California 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 Oceanside 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 Oceanside 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 Oceanside

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 California as well as nationwide, so we can test one party in Oceanside 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 Oceanside 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 Oceanside as well as communities all across the nation.

Commitment to Community

We are dedicated to providing premier DNA testing services for the community of Oceanside. 

Oceanside, California – DNA Testing

Proving Paternity for Child Custody Purposes in Oceanside, CA

In Oceanside, CA, unmarried parents must establish paternity to give the child a legal father. This can be done voluntarily by signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity if both parents agree. If the parents disagree or question who the biological father is, they can have the court establish paternity. In paternity cases, judges often order paternity testing to prove paternity. Once paternity is established, the child has a legal father, and the judge can issue custody, visitation, and child support orders.

The Importance of Lab DNA Testing in an Oceanside Paternity Court Case

If an unmarried Oceanside, CA parent finds they need to legally establish the child’s paternity to request child support payments or to ask for visitation rights or custody, they should know that at-home DNA testing kits do not hold up in court as well as DNA tests that are conducted by a certified laboratory. Especially if the parents disagree about the biological father of the child, it is critical that the DNA test results are irrefutable.

San Diego County, where Oceanside is located, provides comprehensive support services for married and unmarried parents. The Department of Child Support Services provides information for those seeking child support, plus information about their Paternity Opportunity Program (POP) for unmarried parents. The San Diego County Superior Court of California’s Family Support Division tells Oceanside and San Diego County parents how to legally establish paternity and request child support.

Experts Say…

Palmer Rodak & Associates, law attorneys in Oceanside, CA, explain the importance of establishing paternity by saying, “There are numerous reasons why it is important for fathers who are not married to establish paternity so they can protect their unwed fathers’ rights.” He explains that establishing paternity provides unmarried parents with the same rights as married parents. “These include being able to have life and health insurance coverage through either parent, the right to receive veteran’s and social security benefits, and the right to inherit from both parents,” the law firm says. “Furthermore, paternity enables children to receive financial support from both parents, married or unmarried.”

Last updated 9/5/2022

Locations

Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Oceanside, California

3601 Vista Way Suite 104 Oceanside, CA 92056
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PMT: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PMW: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PMTh: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PMF: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM About this Location: El Camino High School, a public secondary school, is known for its strong athletics and academic programs. It’s located just a short distance from our location.
3910 Vista Way Oceanside, CA 92056
Pre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode:

M: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMT: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMW: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMTh: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMF: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM About this Location: El Camino High School is a public secondary school that is known for its strong academic programs and athletic teams. It is conveniently located near our location.
3156 Vista Way Suite 100 Oceanside, CA 92056
M-Su: 24 Hours a DayPre-registration required,Walk-in with barcode: About this Location: Tri-City Crossroads Shopping Center, located just a short distance from our location, offers a variety of shopping and dining options. It’s a popular spot for locals to gather and enjoy their free time.
2484 Vista Way Suite 2484a Oceanside, CA 92054
Pre-registration required,This location also requires an appt.

M: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMT: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMW: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMTh: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMF: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMSa: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMSu: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM About this Location: Oceanside Museum of Art, a short distance from our clinic, is a cultural hub that showcases modern and contemporary art. The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.

Neighborhoods In and Around Oceanside That We Serve

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De Luz/Oneill Heights
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Downtown North Beach
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Seaside District
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Missions At Rancho Del Or
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Ocean Heights
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Westwinds Mobile Lodge
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La Montana
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Loma Alta Mission Park
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Rdo Village Iv Masters
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Quail Ridge

Additional Services

We also offer other services, such as:

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California Background Check for Oceanside, CA businesses

Citations

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“Acknowledgement of Paternity/Parentage.” California Department of Public Health, https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/VS22.pdf
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San Diego County Department of Child Support Services, https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/dcss/
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“Paternity and Establishing Fatherhood.” San Diego County, Department of Child Support Services, https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/dcss/PaternityOpportunityProgram.html
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“Family Support Division.” Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/familyandchildren2/familysupportdivision
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Palmer Rodak & Associates. “Unwed Father’s Rights: Establishing Paternity in California.” Palmer Rodak & Associates, 15 September 2019, https://www.oceansidedivorcelawyer.com/articles/2019/september/unwed-father-s-rights-establishing-paternity-in-/
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“Oceanside, CA.” Nextdoor, https://nextdoor.com/city/oceanside–ca/