DNA Test - Santa Cruz, CA

Set up DNA Test

Health Street provides DNA testing in Santa Cruz, California at 2 conveniently located testing laboratories. Register now, or call us at (831) 540-4211 or schedule online. with any questions. Our paternity testing (including grandparent DNA tests, avuncular (aunt or uncle) testing, and postmortem DNA testing) determines if two or more people are related.

Shedule an appointment for a DNA test quickly and easily. The parties can come together or you can set up separate appointments. Grandparent DNA tests, avuncular (aunt or uncle) testing, and postmortem DNA testing are also available. Legal DNA tests are done at our testing centers. Peace of mind DNA tests can be done at home by cheek swab, hair, or fingernails.

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DNA Test - Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz CA DNA Testing Locations

Types of DNA Tests at our Santa Cruz, California locations:

The most commonly ordered DNA test is a Paternity Test to conclusively establish whether or not a man is the biological father of a child.

Paternity Testing can be performed at our testing centers. DNA Testing can be done for other close family relationships, such as:

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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)

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 people being tested. 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 registering online and shipping the specimens to us.

Legally Admissible DNA Tests vs. "Peace of Mind" At-Home Tests

A Legal Paternity Test is a court admissible DNA testing service. 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. In order for the results of a DNA test to hold up in court, for child support, or to change the name on a birth certificate, the test must be done at a clinic using strict chain of custody procedures. Our Santa Cruz DNA testing technicians are trained to follow guidelines that ensure that the results can be used for legal purposes.

How to schedule a DNA Test in Santa Cruz CA

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Santa Cruz 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. Register online, or please call our customer service team, which can help you book your appointment over the phone.

We have state of the art testing labs and friendly clinics that perform the DNA sample collection in Santa Cruz, plus many more locations throughout California and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Santa Cruz. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Santa Cruz , CA so you can choose the testing center that is most convenient. When you register, you can also pick the appointment time and date that you prefer.

Why Health Street

More than a Decade of Experience

Since 2010, Health Street has offered DNA tests in Santa Cruz, the state of Santa Cruz, California, and throughout the nation.  The first DNA test that Health Street provided in Santa Cruz, CA was in 2021.

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 Santa Cruz. 

Santa Cruz, CA - DNA Testing

Local DNA Stories

A Santa Cruz native who was the product of an egg donor met his biological mother, who didn't even know he existed, thanks to DNA testing. Parker Erickson was 14 years old when his parents informed him he was conceived using an egg donor.

Kristin Schoonveld, of Indianapolis, donated her eggs in 1994. Years later, while searching for her father in 2019, Kristin took a DNA test, which showed she had a son. She learned that the son was conceived by In Vitro fertilization, and he was also looking for his biological mother. She sent him a message, and after texting, the two decided to meet. After meeting her son for the first time, Kristin said, "It's as if I've known him his whole life."

Experts Say...

Gina Policastri is a family law specialist that serves Santa Cruz, CA. Policastri explains the rights of biological fathers when their children are born outside of marriage. "While the biological mother is automatically listed on the birth certificate, the father's legal rights depend on establishing legal paternity," she said. "In California, the biological father of a child has certain legal responsibilities. First and foremost, he is responsible for providing financial support for his child," Policastri added. "This support can take the form of regular payments, which the court typically sets based on the father's income and the needs of the child. The father may also be required to provide health insurance for the child and cover other expenses such as childcare or extracurricular activities. "

Proving Paternity for Child Custody Purposes in Santa Cruz, CA

When married parents in Santa Cruz have a child, the husband automatically becomes the child's legal father. However, when a child is born to unmarried parents, paternity must be established for the child to have a legal father. Parents can establish paternity voluntarily by signing a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, or they can go to court. If either parent questions paternity, the court will likely order a DNA test to identify the child's biological father.

Last updated 5/17/2023

Neighborhoods Served in Santa Cruz

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Blacks Beach
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Central Seabright
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Downtown
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East Morrissey
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Glen Canyon
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Lower Escalona
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Mid East Side
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Ocean Street
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Prospect Heights
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Roundtree & Baytree
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South Of Laurel
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Twin Lakes
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Upper Laurel To Walnut
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Villa Nueva
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Western Limits
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Yacht Harbor

Additional Services

Health Street offers a variety of other services, including:

Citations

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Grossman Kantor, Wendy. "Woman Meets Biological Son She Never Knew Existed – All Thanks to DNA Test: 'Instant Love'." People, 18 January 2022, https://people.com/human-interest/woman-meets-biological-son-she-never-knew-existed-via-dna-test/
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Policastri, Gina. "What Rights Does a Biological Father Have in California?" Lonich, Patton, Ehrlich & Policastri Attorneys at Law, 8 November 2022, https://www.lpeplaw.com/what-rights-does-a-biological-father-have-in-california/
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"Parentage in California." California Courts, https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/parentage
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"Voluntary Declaration of Parentage." California Courts, https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/VDOP
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"Santa Cruz, CA." Nextdoor, https://nextdoor.com/city/santa-cruz--ca/