How accurate is a blood test for gender?
In this article, we discuss baby gender testing, how the test works, and the accuracy of a baby gender test.
What is a blood test for gender?
A blood test for gender – also called a baby gender test or prenatal gender test – is a type of DNA test used to verify the gender of an unborn baby while they are still in utero (in the womb).
This type of test uses a blood sample from the mother (from 8 weeks into pregnancy) to identify foetal DNA and determine whether any Y-chromosomal DNA is present.
If a Y chromosome is present, this indicates that the baby is a boy. If there is no Y chromosome present, this means that the baby is a girl.
How does a baby gender test work?
Every human being has a pair of sex chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome is present in males, who have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes.
For a baby gender test, the mother’s blood sample is analysed by expert geneticists, who use Next Generation Sequencing to determine if foetal DNA with a Y chromosome is present in the mother’s blood stream.
If a Y chromosome is detected, this indicates that the baby is a boy. If no Y chromosome is detected, this means that the baby is a girl.
How accurate is a blood test for gender?
A blood test is the most accurate way of determining a baby’s gender before he or she is born.
Although ultrasound scans are commonly used to determine the gender of an unborn baby between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy, these scans are not always correct.
This is because if the ultrasound technician cannot get a clear view of the baby’s genitals, it may not be possible to confirm whether the baby is a boy or a girl.
The results of an AlphaBiolabs Baby Gender Test are 100% accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.
We use state-of-the-art processes to identify foetal DNA within the mother’s blood sample and determine whether any Y-chromosomal DNA is present. If a Y chromosome is present, this is indicative of a male child. If a Y chromosome is not present, this is indicative of a female child.
For the highest chance of a conclusive result, the mother must be at least 8 weeks’ pregnant when providing a blood sample for testing.
This is to ensure there is enough foetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream for the Y chromosome (if present) to be at a detectable level.
What samples are required for a blood test for gender?
An AlphaBiolabs Baby Gender Test requires a blood sample to be collected from the mother by an AlphaBiolabs specially-trained clinician, at our Dublin walk-in centre.
Simply call us on 01 402 9466 or order your test online and a member of the Customer Services team will be in touch to arrange your sample collection appointment at the walk-in centre.
It is very important that the mother is at least 8 weeks pregnant when providing a blood sample for testing, for the highest chance of a conclusive result.
Where can I buy a Baby Gender Test?
It’s easy to order your Baby Gender Test online now for €249 with FREE sample collection at our Dublin walk-in centre, and results in just 7 working days. Alternatively, choose to receive your results in 4 working days for an extra €60.
Simply buy online or call our friendly Customer Services team on 01 402 9466 to place your order and arrange collection of the mother’s blood sample at the walk-in centre.
The test requires a blood sample to be collected when the mother is at least 8 weeks’ pregnant. This is to ensure the Y chromosome (if present) is at a detectable level. Otherwise, the test may be inconclusive.
Still have questions? Contact our team at info@alphabiolabs.ie who will be happy to help.
Baby Gender Test
Order our Baby Gender Test for €249 with FREE sample collection
Casey Randall
Head of Genetics at AlphaBiolabs
Casey joined the AlphaBiolabs team in 2012 and heads up the DNA laboratory.
An expert in DNA analysis and a member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), Casey holds an MSc with Distinction in DNA Profiling and a First-Class BSc with Honours in Forensic Science.
Casey is responsible for maintaining the highest quality testing standards, as well as looking for ways to further enhance the service that AlphaBiolabs provides and exploring new and innovative techniques in DNA analysis.