The Early Gender Blood Test can be carried out from 6 weeks gestation. Your gestation must be confirmed by ultrasound before the blood sample is taken.
If you are unsure of your dates, we recommend booking the package that includes an early dating scan so we can confirm the best time to carry out the test.
A scan helps confirm that you are far enough along for the test to be carried out accurately. If the test is done too early, there may not be enough fetal DNA in your blood sample, which could affect the result.
The scan also helps confirm pregnancy location, viability, gestation and whether you are expecting a single or multiple pregnancy.
Yes. If you have already had a recent scan elsewhere, you can book the Early Gender Blood Test Only appointment. We will need to see a copy of your scan report confirming your gestation before the blood test is carried out.
During pregnancy, small amounts of baby’s DNA circulate in your bloodstream. The test analyses your blood sample for the presence or absence of the male Y chromosome.
If the Y chromosome is detected, the result indicates a boy. If no Y chromosome is detected, the result indicates a girl.
Yes. This is a non-invasive blood test taken from your arm. It poses no risk to you or your baby.
Results are usually emailed within 2–5 working days once your sample has been received and processed by the laboratory. Results may occasionally take slightly longer during busy periods, bank holidays or postal delays.
Your blood sample will be taken from your arm by a trained professional. A small amount of blood is collected into specialist tubes and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
If you have booked the scan and blood test package, your scan will be carried out first to confirm gestation before the blood sample is taken.
If a Y chromosome is detected, this indicates that at least one baby is a boy. If no Y chromosome is detected, this indicates girls. The test cannot identify the individual gender of each baby in non-identical multiple pregnancies.
No. Fetal DNA from previous pregnancies clears naturally from the bloodstream after pregnancy, so a previous boy pregnancy should not affect your result.
Please drink plenty of water before your appointment, as being well hydrated can make it easier to obtain a blood sample.
We recommend wearing loose or comfortable clothing so your arm can be accessed easily. Please let us know if you are taking blood-thinning medication or if you feel nervous about blood tests so we can support you.
Please note: this option does not include a scan. You must provide evidence of a recent scan confirming that you are at least 6 weeks pregnant.
This is the recommended option if you have not already had a scan.
