DNA Testing - Chevy Chase, MD
Health Street offers DNA testing, legal paternity tests, and sibling DNA tests in Chevy Chase, Maryland at a centrally located testing laboratory. Register now, or call us at (240) 348-8224 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 Test - Chevy Chase, Maryland
Types of DNA Tests at our Chevy Chase, Maryland 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 Chevy Chase 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 Chevy Chase MD
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Chevy Chase 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 Chevy Chase, plus many more locations throughout Maryland and all across the United States. Not every one of our clinics performs paternity testing in Chevy Chase. We'll show you the nearest locations to get a DNA test in Chevy Chase , MD 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 Chevy Chase, the state of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and throughout the nation. Since our founding, we have focused on helping people obtain the DNA and paternity tests that they need, from Chevy Chase to neighborhoods everywhere.
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 Chevy Chase.
Facts about DNA Testing in Chevy Chase MD
Proving Paternity for Child Custody Purposes in Chevy Chase, MD
In Chevy Chase, MD, parents that are not married and have a child can choose to declare paternity by signing an Affidavit of Parentage at the hospital when the child is born. Signing an affidavit is the only way the father will be able to sign the birth certificate when the child is born. Otherwise, only the mother can sign.
If a mother wants the father to sign the affidavit and claims he is the father but he will not sign, she can file a court order and request a paternity DNA test.
Once the affidavit is signed by both parents, the father becomes responsible for financially supporting the child, and obtains the right to pursue visitation and custody.
Establishing paternity is important for the child so that he or she can have a relationship with both parents. The child will also be able to access any important medical history from both parents. With a legal father, the child has rights to any available inheritance, medical benefits, life insurance, and other benefits the father may have.
Mothers can also benefit from establishing paternity, by getting financial help or child support if necessary.
If a father signs an Affidavit of Parentage and later finds out he is not the biological father, he has 60 days to rescind the affidavit. If he misses this window, he must petition the court for a court order.
Experts Say...
Joel W. Anders, P.C. is a local law attorney, serving Chevy Chase, MD, and surrounding areas. He stresses the importance of establishing paternity for both the mother and father. He states, "Without clear, established paternity, a father may not have the access he should to his child and custody orders cannot be created. On the other side, without confirmed paternity, a mother may be unable to receive the child support she needs to help care for the child."
He also mentions that although establishing paternity doesn't guarantee he will want a relationship with his child, many more men are willing to develop relationships with their children when the doubt that they are the fathers is removed.
When it comes to testing for paternity, he explains that recent technological advances have made DNA testing "easier and faster than ever... A simple cheek swab from a child and a potential father can either confirm or eliminate the familial connection."
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Chevy Chase, Maryland
5530 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 835 Chevy Chase, MD 20815Neighborhoods Served in Chevy Chase
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: