The Science behind the Gender Prediction Test

Fetal cells in maternal blood

Fetal cells die; these cells find their way into the mother’s blood stream through the placental wall. As early as 9 weeks of pregnancy, it is possible for our scientists to isolate the DNA of the baby from the mother’s blood and tell you the sex of your child.

Kidneys and Urine production

We have two kidneys which are about the size of a small fist. They are located on either side of our spine and are considered vital organs. The kidney’s job is to filter the waste from the blood; the waste is then passed out as urine. Ureters are tubes which carry the waste and connect the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder is used for temporary storage of urine until we actually micturate (urinate). As established, fetal DNA can be found in the mother’s urine. The amniotic sac which surrounds the unborn child is filled with urine and fetal DNA. The DNA makes its way through the placenta into the mother’s blood stream. When the mother’s urine gets filtered through the kidneys, the fetal DNA is excreted as well.

How much blood is required for the test?

You will need to provide us with a large blood drop, that will fill the entire area of the circle drawn on the blood card. Using a scientific DNA testing procedure called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) scientists are able to work with tiny quantities of DNA; taking just a minute quantity of DNA and using an enzyme known as DNA polymerase, scientists are able to make hundreds of copies with which they can work. With the gender test using blood, scientists will analyze the mother’s blood to detect the presence of male DNA. By exclusion, if no male DNA is found, the mother is excepting a baby girl.

Visit the sample collection information for more information how to collect the blood sample.

Is it going to be boy or girl? How can scientists know?

The test bases itself upon detecting the presence of the Y chromosome in the mother’s blood. It is important to realize that only males carry the Y chromosome, which they inherit from their father. In fact, males have 23 pairs of XY chromosomes and females have 23 pairs of XX chromosome. It is clear that females do not carry any Y chromosomes. The presence of Y chromosomes in the mother’s blood clearly indicates that the unborn child will be a male. If no Y chromosome is detected, the unborn child is female. The results of the test are therefore highly accurate, with a success rate of 98%*. This success rate can be guaranteed so as long as every precaution is followed. Get additional information about sample collection for baby gender testing.

*Our test is 98% accurate at 9 weeks. The lab has a quality assurance program that continuously monitors the quality of our methods and reagents and the accuracy of our results. There is a 5% error rate that is attributed to the home nature of the test and user error such as taking the test too early or not providing enough blood sample.