How accurate is a blood test for gender?

In this article, we discuss prenatal gender testing, how the test works, and the accuracy of a blood test for gender

What is a blood test for gender?

A blood test for gender – also called a 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 fetal 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 prenatal 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 prenatal gender test, the mother’s blood sample is analyzed by expert geneticists, who use Next Generation Sequencing to determine if fetal 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 often used to determine the gender of an unborn baby – usually from around 20 weeks into pregnancy – these scans are not always accurate.

This is because it is not always possible to see the baby’s genitals clearly in the womb, depending on how the baby is lying on the day of the ultrasound.

The results of an AlphaBiolabs Prenatal 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 fetal 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 fetal 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?

For an AlphaBiolabs Prenatal Gender Test, the mother needs to provide a blood sample which is usually drawn from the arm.

The blood sample is time sensitive and needs to be collected by a nurse, a phlebotomist or another medical professional. The samples should then be sent back to our laboratory for testing, straight away.

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.

If you need help finding a phlebotomist near you, try searching online for ‘phlebotomist’ or ‘phlebotomy service’ in your area.

Where can I buy a Prenatal Gender Test?

It’s easy to order your Prenatal Gender Test online now for $199, with results in 7 business days. The cost of the test includes your test kit and all lab fees.

Simply place your order online and we will ship your test kit out to you in discreet, plain packaging, for full confidentiality.

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.

The blood sample is time sensitive and needs to be collected by a nurse, phlebotomist, or another medical professional before being returned to our laboratory for testing.

Still have questions? Email our friendly Customer Services team at info@alphabiolabsusa.com.