DNA Test - Columbia, MD
Health Street provides DNA testing in Columbia, Maryland at 4 conveniently located testing laboratories. Register now, or call us at (410) 267-4681 or schedule online. 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 an appointment for a DNA test quickly and easily. The parties can come together or you can set up separate appointments. Grandparent DNA tests, avuncular (aunt or uncle) testing, and postmortem DNA testing are also available. Legal DNA tests are done at our testing centers. Peace of mind DNA tests can be done at home by cheek swab, hair, or fingernails.
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DNA Test - Columbia, Maryland
Types of DNA Tests at our Columbia, Maryland 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 Columbia DNA testing technicians are trained to follow these guidelines so that the results will be legally admissible.
How to schedule a DNA Test in Columbia MD
Scheduling a DNA test at one of our Columbia 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 Columbia, plus many more locations throughout Maryland 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
A Decade Plus of Experience
Health Street has provided DNA tests since 2010. We have provided DNA tests and paternity tests to thousands of people in Columbia as well as communities all across the nation.
Dedicated to Excellence
We are proud to help families and individuals get DNA testing in Columbia.
Columbia, Maryland - DNA Testing
Establishing paternity in Columbia, MD
Unmarried people from Columbia, Maryland who have a baby and wish to establish paternity have two options. They can sign an Affidavit of Paternity or go to court. Signing this form is voluntary; however, parents should only sign it if they have zero doubts about who the biological father is. Once the document is signed, it is legally binding and difficult to overturn if paternity is questioned in the future. Parents often sign this document at the hospital and before an official witness. When parents sign and file this document, the man becomes the child's legal father. From there, they can go to court if child support, custody, or visitation hours need to be decided by a judge.
If either parent is unsure of who the biological father is, they may choose to go to court instead of signing the Affidavit of Paternity. Establishing paternity in court often includes getting a DNA test to prove whether the man is the biological father. Once the court establishes paternity, the judge can also decide about child support, visitation, and custody if necessary.
Columbia, Maryland: Benefits of establishing paternity
Parents from Columbia, Maryland, should consider establishing paternity for several reasons. First, it would give them both rights and responsibilities towards the child, which can help better financially and emotionally support the child. It can also allow both parents to participate in crucial decisions for the child, such as religious upbringing and decisions about their health or education. After paternity is established, each parent may also be given custody rights.
The child can also benefit from getting paternity established by having access to Social Security benefits, life and health insurance, inheritance rights, the medical history of both parents, or even veterans benefits. Of course, each paternity case is unique and the child may not be entitled to all of these rights.
Recent studies have shown that the presence of both parents can positively affect the child's development. Children who have a healthy bond with both parents are less likely to quit school, more likely to seek higher education, and less likely to do drugs.
Last updated 11/21/2022
Locations
Clinic Hours for DNA Testing in Columbia, Maryland
6310 Stevens Forest Road Columbia, MD 21046Neighborhoods In and Around Columbia That We Serve
Additional Services
Health Street offers a variety of other services, including: