DNA Test - Bay City, MI
Health Street provides DNA tests and legal paternity testing in Bay City, Michigan at our centrally located testing laboratory. Call (989) 402-4669 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 - Bay City, Michigan
Types of DNA Tests at our Bay City, Michigan clinics:
Paternity Testing can conclusively establish whether or not a man is the biological father of a child.
Relationship Testing for other close family relationships can be performed at our testing centers. Our DNA testing services can confirm or deny biological relationships between grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, half-siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews:
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 alleged father and child or children. 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 ordering one of our testing kits online and shipping the specimens back to us.
Legal DNA Tests vs. "Peace of Mind" At-Home Tests
A Legal Paternity Test is a court admissible lab testing service performed at an AABB accredited laboratory. 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. A legal paternity DNA test will hold up in court for such matters as child support or to change the name on a birth certificate. This test must be performed using strict chain of custody procedures. Our Bay City DNA testing technicians are trained to follow these guidelines so that the results will be legally admissible.
How to schedule a DNA Test in Bay City MI
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Bay City 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. Please call our customer service team to help you book your appointment over the phone, or set up your appointment easily online.
We have state of the art testing labs and friendly clinics that perform the DNA sample collection in Bay City, plus many more locations throughout Michigan and across the United States. During registration, we'll show you the nearest locations for DNA testing so you can choose the site that's most convenient. You'll also pick the times and days 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 Bay City, MI 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 Bay City that they need.
Bay City, MI DNA Testing
What Are DNA Tests Used For?
DNA tests in Bay City, MI are commonly used to establish a child's paternity or make corrections on birth certificates. The court system also typically requires DNA testing prior to issuing a child support or custody order when legal paternity has not already been established. In some situations, family members may need a post-mortem DNA test in Bay City, MI to confirm their relationship to a recently deceased individual.
Paternity Testing
A Bay City DNA test is frequently used to determine a child's biological paternity. This process is often initiated by mothers who wish to confirm the identity of their child's father in order to seek child support. A Bay City man who believes he is a child's father may also request a DNA test so he can play an active role in the child's life.
Child Custody and Support
Child support and custody matters are settled through a court order. If legal paternity has not already been established, the courts typically require a DNA test to confirm the identity of the child's biological father. If the test shows that there is a 99% or higher probability that the man is the child's biological father, the courts can issue an order of paternity, and then issue support and custody orders.
Changing a Birth Certificate
Whether through mistake or fraud, there are some situations where the wrong man may be listed as a child's father on his or her birth certificate. Making legal adjustments to a birth certificate may require a DNA test in Bay City, MI to prove the child's biological paternity.
Post-Mortem DNA Testing
After an individual's passing, a post-mortem DNA test may be needed to confirm the person's biological relationship to others, particularly children. The results of this test can influence important factors such as distribution of assets through a will or trust, and receipt of Social Security benefits.
How DNA Tests Are Analyzed
A DNA paternity test works by examining the genetic blueprint that makes each person unique. The process begins with collecting DNA samples from each party involved, typically by using a cheek swab or a hair sample.
Every individual inherits certain parts of their DNA directly from their mother and other parts directly from their father. These are known as genetic markers. A testing lab compares genetic markers to determine whether there is a match.
If a man's genetic markers do not match those of the child being tested, the man is not the child's biological father. Conversely, if a child's DNA has genetic markers that align with the man's, this indicates a genetic link. The more the markers match, the higher the likelihood that the man is the child's biological father.
How Long Does It Take to Receive DNA Test Results?
- Hair Follicle - typically up to 14 days.
- Cheek Swab - typically up to 7 days.
The time to receive the test results will depend on the provider.
Establishing Paternity in Michigan
According to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, there are two primary ways for unmarried parents to establish a child's legal paternity. The first is to do it voluntarily by signing and completing an Affidavit of Parentage. This can be done when both parties agree on the identity of the child's father.
The second is for an interested party to ask the local court system to establish paternity. A judge will typically require DNA testing before issuing a ruling.
Last updated 11/14/2023
Locations
Some Bay City Neighborhoods That We Serve
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: