How accurate is a blood test for gender?

A blood test for baby gender is up to 99% accurate when performed from as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

The test works by analysing the mother’s DNA for the presence of a Y chromosome. If a Y chromosome is present in the mother’s bloodstream, this means the baby is a boy. If no Y chromosome is present, this means the baby is a girl.

This article explores the accuracy of baby gender testing in more detail.

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 6 weeks into pregnancy) to determine whether any Y-chromosomal DNA is present in the mother’s bloodstream.

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 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 99% accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.

We use state-of-the-art processes to determine whether any Y-chromosomal DNA is present in the mother’s bloodstream. 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.

For the highest chance of a conclusive result, the mother must be at least 6 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 from the mother, which you can collect yourself in the comfort of your own home using our convenient, pain-free, TinyTAP device.

We are the ONLY laboratory in Ireland to offer TinyTAP for fuss-free, home sample collection.

Simply follow the instructions included in your test kit to collect your blood sample by pressing the device against your arm. Then return your sample to our laboratory.

If you would prefer to have one of our specially trained clinicians collect your blood sample, simply place your order online and choose FREE sample collection at one of our walk-in centres, or for one of our sample collectors to visit you at a convenient time and location*.

*Additional fees apply.

Where can I buy a Baby Gender Test?

Thanks to innovation from DNA testing laboratories like AlphaBiolabs, you can find out your baby’s sex from as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy.

Our At-home Baby Gender Test allows you to find out your baby’s sex, with no need to wait until your ultrasound scan, and only a small blood sample required.

Order your test kit online, and we’ll ship it out to you immediately. Your test kit will contain everything you need to collect your blood sample and return it to our laboratory for testing, including our innovative TinyTAP device and full instructions on how to use the device to collect your sample.

We are the only laboratory in Ireland to offer the easy-to-use, fuss-free and pain-free TinyTAP device for baby gender testing!

Your secure results will be emailed to you in just 3-4 working days*.

Alternatively, our Clinical Baby Gender Test gives you the option to have your blood sample collected for FREE by one of our professional sample collectors at one of our walk-in centres or at a time and location convenient to you** (via TinyTAP or venous blood draw).

Order your Baby Gender Test online now, call 01 402 9466 or email info@alphabiolabs.ie for more information.

*From receipt of your samples at our laboratory, before 10am.

**Additional fees apply.