DNA Testing - Ontario, CA

Paternity Testing in Ontario, California

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

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 anlalysis.

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 Ontario 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:

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:

How to schedule a DNA Test in Ontario CA

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Ontario, California 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 Ontario, 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 Ontario 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 Ontario 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 Ontario

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 Ontario 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 Ontario or elsewhere are shipped securely from our testing locations to a nationally certified laboratory.

98-Year-Old Ontario Woman Finds Family Through DNA Testing

Ellen Law never knew she was adopted until she was 85 years old. When she learned of the news, she felt utterly alone and became driven to find her biological family members. After years of searching, she finally took a DNA test and had her granddaughter help her send countless emails. Still finding no leads, she finally hired DNA genealogist Barbara Rae-Venter and, within days, she had found out the names of her birth parents.

It turns out that there were discrepancies on her birth certificate. Without the DNA results, she would never have had this breakthrough. While Law's birth parents and siblings have passed away, she discovered four nieces who are thrilled to have a new aunt in their lives. They've all met in what Law described as an incredibly memorable experience, adding that she felt like she had received "...a very early Christmas present – a whole new family."

Biology vs. Legal Paternity

According to the Ontario law office of Schwartzberg and Luther, simply being the biological parent of a child isn't enough to guarantee the rights that come with legal paternity. If you walk into a hospital or school claiming to be a child's father, but have not established legal paternity, it's likely that you will be denied access to your child.

While marriage validates a man's role as a child's legal father, unmarried parents must take extra steps to establish legal paternity. This requires a judgment from the courts. If your paternity comes into question, it's likely that the process will also require a DNA test.

Importance of Establishing Paternity

There are many advantages to establishing legal paternity in Ontario. As the experts at Ontario law firm R|M Law Group point out, once a judge grants a court order, the biological father has all the rights — and responsibilities — that come with being a child's legal father. Once paternity is established, the courts can help make important decisions regarding visitation, custody, and child support payments. The parents may also wish to address topics like reimbursement of birthing expenses and name changes.

Establishing legal paternity gives the child an array of benefits including:

In addition, legal paternity gives both parents access to the child's medical records, school records, and more.

DNA Testing Experience

Health Street has been performing DNA tests across the United States for more than ten years.

Commitment to Community

Clinic Hours of Operation for Ontario DNA Testing

Areas we Serve in Ontario:

We also offer other services, such as: