DNA Testing – Union, New Jersey

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Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Union, New Jersey at 2 testing laboratories. Call (908) 293-9263 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 – Union, New Jersey

Union NJ DNA Testing Locations

Paternity Testing in Union, New Jersey

There are several types of DNA testing services that are offered at our Union 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 Union 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 Union NJ

Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Union 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 Union, plus many more throughout New Jersey 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union

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 New Jersey as well as nationwide, so we can test one party in Union 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 Union 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 Union, the state of Union, New Jersey, and throughout the nation.  The first DNA test that Health Street provided in Union, NJ 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 Union. 

Union, NJ – DNA Testing

Paternity Programs in Union, NJ

Through the New Jersey Paternity Opportunity Program, Union parents who have recently had a child but are not married can easily establish paternity free of charge. Establishing paternity is extremely important for both the child and parents as it is used to legally declare the biological father, grant him parental rights, and enable monthly child support if either parent requests it.

Through the Paternity Opportunity Program, parents can establish paternity by completing a Certificate of Parentage at the hospital following the child’s birth or through a Union County registrar’s office. If a Union mother is not certain of her child’s biological father, it’s crucial to first seek DNA testing of the child and presumed father before making any decision to legally establish paternity.

Seeking Paternity Establishment Assistance in Union, NJ

With the paternity establishment process completely voluntary under the Paternity Opportunity Program, either parent can refuse the signing of a Certificate of Parentage. This can be a frustrating circumstance for a Union parent since the state of New Jersey requires the proper establishment of paternity to grant the father paternal rights and mandate monthly child support.

Fortunately, in these situations, the parent who is seeking the paternity establishment may file a petition in Union County Family Court to initiate the process. From here, a Union County judge will likely issue a request for the child and presumed father to undergo paternity DNA testing. If results are able to identify the biological father, paternity can be established with any necessary parenting plans and child support agreements.

Experts in Union, NJ Say…

After a troublesome paternity establishment process, two Union parents may find themselves back in family court navigating child custody concerns. According to Union family law Attorney Andrew Wolfenson, New Jersey statutes governing child custody rights and child visitation rights divide custody into two distinct types: legal and physical.

Legal custody is often shared by both parents and covers the legal right to make important decisions involving the child. Physical custody, commonly referred to as residential custody, is the decision of where the child will live on a day-to-day basis. It will be up to the Union County Court system to either split up physical and legal custody or issue it to a sole parent.

Last updated 7/18/2023

Neighborhoods Served in Union

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Brookside
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Centurion Union Center
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Larchmont
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Mill Run At Union Apartments
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Nora Gardens
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Sol At Vermella Union
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Stuyvesant Plaza
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The Club At Autumn Ridge
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The Crossings At Union Apartments
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Wood Low

Additional Services

We also offer other services, such as:

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New Jersey Background Check for Employers in Union, NJ

Citations

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“Paternity Opportunity Program.” New Jersey Department of Human Services, https://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/documents/factsheet/birth/pop_flyer_english.pdf
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“Family Division.” New Jersey Courts, https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/family
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“Child Custody & Visitation: Protecting What Matters Most.” Wolfenson and Ashkenazi Attorneys at Law, https://www.wolfensonlaw.com/family-law/child-custody-visitation/
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“Union, NJ.” Nextdoor, https://nextdoor.com/city/union–nj/
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“Union New Jersey Apartments.” Google Maps, https://www.google.com/maps/search/Union+New+Jersey+apartments/@40.6905457,-74.3029163,13z/data=!3m1!4b1?entry=ttu