I am regularly being asked this question. Well, it all depends on two very important points;
Methods and Best Practices
Early pregnancy gender testing allows excited expectant parents to determine their baby’s sex as early as only 6 (six) weeks into pregnancy. Several testing methods exist, but their accuracy and reliability depend on a number of factors, including sample handling, laboratory practices and standards, and male DNA contamination.
The most common method for early gender determination is cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) testing, which detects foetal DNA circulating in the mother’s blood. Unlike urine-based or at-home kits, cffDNA tests are highly accurate (>99%) when performed correctly.
Other methods include ultrasound scans, which can determine gender from around 14-16 weeks but are less precise in early stages, and invasive procedures like amniocentesis, which are highly accurate but carry risks to the pregnancy.
cffDNA Testing & The Importance of Cell Stabilisation
Firstly, what is cffDNA? Cell Free Foetal DNA is free floating DNA fragments found in the blood of a pregnant mum. They are very short fragments and degrade almost immediately they are released from the placenta. A sample must therefore remain stable long enough to ensure transport to a laboratory in time for analysis. More commonly used blood collection tubes can have stabilization times that risk breakdown of blood components.
Always check that your chosen service provider is using an advanced blood stabilisation tube, which significantly improves the accuracy of gender testing. These tubes prevent the degradation of foetal DNA and ensure a higher concentration of intact cffDNA, leading to more reliable results.
It is good to check if the tube used is the same as for the clinically approved non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) that looks for chromosome abnormalities in a growing baby.
Y-Chromosome Markers in Gender Testing
Since males carry an XY chromosome pair while females have XX, gender tests focus on detecting Y-chromosome markers. A test that looks at more than one area of the Y-chromosome will be more sensitive and accurate than one looking at only one marker.
If Y-DNA is present, the baby is male; if absent, the baby is female.
Choosing a Reputable Laboratory
Whether buying the test online directly from the laboratory or having the test through a scanning clinic always ask about the laboratory they use. The accuracy of gender tests depends on using molecular testing laboratories compliant with ISO15189 or ISO17025 standards. Reliable labs minimise contamination risks, use validated equipment, and follow strict quality control measures. Whilst prices could be very slightly higher, this can be the difference between a correct result and a wrong result.
Avoiding Male DNA Contamination & Overseas Shipping
Contamination from male DNA, whether it’s from the father, laboratory staff, or the testing environment, can lead to a wrong result. Proper handling and sterile conditions are crucial. Additionally, sending samples outside of the UK can cause delays, temperature fluctuations, and compromised sample integrity. Choosing a reputable, local lab ensures the best accuracy and reliability.
Biological factors
No blood test can ever be 100% accurate. There will always be some factors that can impact the result, irrespective of what the test is for. In cffDNA testing for foetal gender prediction biological factors include testing too early, placental mosaicism, a sex chromosome abnormality, or a bone marrow or organ transplant by a male donor.
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Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub
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Email: lab@fgih.co.uk
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