When can a blood test determine gender?

In our latest expert article, we answer some common questions about baby gender testing – including “can a blood test determine gender?” and “how does baby gender testing work?”

When can a blood test determine gender?

A simple blood test can be used to determine a baby’s sex from just 6 weeks into pregnancy, with only a small blood sample from mum required.

This is a non-invasive DNA test, which is 100% safe for mum and baby.

Our baby gender testing is available from just €119 with results in 3-4 business days after your blood sample arrives at our accredited laboratory.

Order an early Baby Gender Test online

How does baby gender testing work?

If foetal DNA can be found in mum’s bloodstream, a technique known as Next Generation Sequencing is used to look for any Y-chromosomal DNA. If a Y chromosome is detected, the baby is a boy. If no Y chromosome is detected, the baby is a girl.

This baby gender test can even be performed in twin pregnancies. If a Y chromosome is present, at least one of the babies is male. If no Y chromosome is present, both babies are girls.

The mother must be at least 6 weeks pregnant to ensure that any Y chromosome present is at a detectable level.

The advantage of a baby gender blood test is that it can be performed at a much earlier stage than waiting for the traditional 20-week scan. Statistics show that ultrasounds can be wrong up to 10% of the time. Mistakes are made when determining gender because it depends on the clarity of the ultrasound image and the expertise of the ultrasound technician performing the scan. The baby also needs to be in a good position to have a clear view of the baby’s genitals.

Order your Baby Gender Test online now or contact us on 01 402 9466 / info@alphabiolabs.ie for more information about the test.