DNA Test - Alexandria, VA
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Alexandria, Virginia at 4 testing laboratories. Call (703) 659-4251 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 - Alexandria, Virginia
Types of DNA Tests at our Alexandria, Virginia 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:
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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria VA
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Alexandria 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 Alexandria, plus many more locations throughout Virginia and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Alexandria. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Alexandria , VA 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
Over a Decade of Experience
Health Street has been performing DNA testing nationally since 2010. The first DNA test in Alexandria, VA performed by Health Street was in 2017.
Dedication to Excellence
Our dedication to excellence includes our commitment to provide compassionate services and to helping people obtain the accurate DNA testing in Alexandria that they need.
Alexandria, VA - DNA Testing
Alexandria Woman Reunites with Sister After 43 Years
Alexandria resident Donna Massie Wysong was abandoned at birth and never knew her biological parents or whether she had any siblings. When she saw the news of another baby who had been abandoned 42 years later, she posted on her Facebook page, "If no one wants her, I'll keep her. That's what happened to me."
After learning of her story, a genealogical investigator offered to help Wysong find her birth family for free. It took some time for Wysong to take her up on the offer, and more time for DNA tests to connect her with family members. She was shocked when she found out that she had a full biological sister who was also adopted. Her sister, Vanessa Smiley, was also shocked and concerned when she learned the news. However, the two eventually connected and communicated by email, text, Facebook, and FaceTime. After 43 years apart, they say they did not want to miss one more day together.
Establishing Paternity in Alexandria
When a child is born to married parents, the mother's husband is automatically presumed to be the child's father. However, when the parents are not married, they must take steps to legally establish paternity. According to attorneys at Surovell, Isaacs, and Levy, PLC, which serves clients in Alexandria and the surrounding area, there are two primary ways to establish paternity in Virginia:
- Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP): Both parties sign an AOP form in front of a witness and file it with the appropriate authorities. This is typically done at the hospital when the child is born but can also be done at a later date.
- DNA Testing: One party files a paternity action with the courts or opens a child support case with the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE). This typically requires a genetic test, which can show with 98% certainty whether the man is the child's biological father.
Contesting Paternity in Virginia
In some cases, facts may arise that create a need to disestablish paternity. Experts at the Whitbeck Bennett Law Firm, which serves clients in Alexandria and across Virginia, explain that when this happens, an interested party must file a case with the courts. It's critical to do this as soon as an issue arises since filing a case does not immediately stop court-ordered child support, custody, or visitation.
Last updated 10/19/2023
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Alexandria, Virginia
5130 Duke Street Suite 10 Alexandria, VA 22304Neighborhoods Served in Alexandria
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including:
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