DNA Testing - Bellingham, WA
Health Street offers DNA testing, legal paternity tests, and sibling DNA tests in Bellingham, Washington at 3 conveniently located testing laboratories. Register now, or call us at (360) 469-1589 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.
Schedule your DNA test appointment online. Our legal DNA test results can be used in court for matters such as: child support, birth certificates, and custody cases. Appointments can be scheduled together or separately. Legal DNA tests are done by cheek swab at our testing centers. We also offer home DNA test kits for peace of mind. DNA can be tested from hair, fingernails, and other specimens.
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DNA Testing Bellingham WA
Types of DNA Tests at our Bellingham WA clinics:
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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham WA
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Bellingham 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 Bellingham, plus many more locations throughout Washington and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Bellingham. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Bellingham , WA 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
A Decade Plus of Experience
Health Street has provided DNA tests since 2010. The first DNA test we performed in Bellingham, WA was in 2017.
Commitment to Community
Health Street is very proud to say that we serve the wonderful community of Whatcom County and provide the best DNA Testing in Bellingham, Washington.DNA Test Bellingham
Establishing paternity in Bellingham, WA
Unmarried parents from Bellingham, Washington, can establish paternity by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity or by court order. Usually, if parents are sure about the biological father, they sign the VAP. It is often possible to sign at the hospital after the baby's birth. Remember that the VAP is a legally binding form that establishes the legal father and should not be signed unless there are no disagreements about paternity.
Paternity Test Bellingham WA—When parents disagree or are unsure about paternity
Some unmarried parents go to court to establish paternity instead of signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. This often happens when parents disagree or are unsure about paternity. Normally, the judge will order paternity testing as it is a standard, quick, and painless way of proving paternity. The alleged father and the child get their cheek swabbed. Then, the samples are taken to the laboratory, and the results are sent to the judge. Once the judge receives the results, paternity is established.
Bellingham, Washington: Challenging paternity
Sometimes, people sign the Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity but change their minds later. In Bellingham, Washington, either parent can challenge paternity within 60 days after they signed the VAP. After this period, the paternity challenge becomes much more complicated and can only be done in a few cases. The legal father will have to prove there was fraud, duress, or a major mistake of fact. If parents from Bellingham decide to take a DNA test and find out the biological father is not the one who signed the VAP, it could be considered a major mistake of fact.
If more than four years since signing the VAP have passed, paternity can usually no longer be challenged. However, each case is different, and paternity law is quite complicated, so it is best to consult a family lawyer to help you find the best solution in your specific situation.
Last updated 1/23/2023
Locations
Neighborhoods in Bellingham Served by our Clinics
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: