Pink or Blue®
is based on the latest gender testing technology. The test
is based on analysis of fetal DNA from the mother’s
blood.
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The
Science is Proven...
PCR detection of cell-free circulating fetal
DNA in maternal plasma and serum (Lo et al.
Lancet 1997; 350:485-7)
Earliest detection of fetal DNA: 5 weeks of
gestation (Prenatal Diagnosis, 2003; 23:
1042)
Source of fetal DNA? Passive diffusion across
placental barrier (van Wijk et al. Clinical
Chemistry, 2000; 46:729-731)
In a natural process, fetal cells die and pass into the
mother’s bloodstream. As these cells break down, fetal
DNA is released into the mother’s own circulatory
system. Pink or Blue® can detect the baby’s
DNA as early as 7 weeks into a pregnancy which is approximately
10 weeks from your last menstrual period. Pink or Blue®
have developed a process to determine the baby’s sex
based on analysis of the fetal DNA in the mother's bloodstream.
Click
Here to Calculate
your Pink
or Blue Eligibility Date.
The human Y-chromosome is only found in males. Pink or
Blue® looks for Y-chromosomal DNA in the
mother’s blood using a technique called Real-Time
Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) that can amplify
small amounts of DNA to easily detectable levels. Pink or
Blue®'s patented technology is more sensitive
than previous techniques and thus we can provide an accurate
answer from three drops of your blood (average amount/drops
to fill one circle) on our DNA collection card. Although,
we can run a sample from one circle, we request that the
expectant mother fill all three circles. The DNA sample
is tested twice in parallel for quality assurance purposes.
Y-DNA will only be present in the sample if the baby is
a boy, since the mother does not carry the Y-chromosomal
DNA herself. If no Y-DNA is detected by Pink or Blue®,
the mother is expecting a baby girl.
The
DNA samples are analyzed in our lab usingRT-PCR.
The classic study validating the PCR method for detecting
fetal sex was published in the Journal of Human Genetics
in 2005. Scientists in Italy (Galbiati et al) obtained blood
from pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy and
isolated fetal DNA as early as 5 weeks of pregnancy. The
isolated fetal DNA is amplified and analyzed using PCR.
They studied 1,837 pregnant women. This included women with
previous pregnancies, miscarriages and live births. The
test results were confirmed after the baby's birth and their
study had a 99% accuracy rate. Please note that the 99%
accuracy rate does not reflect Pink or Blue®'s
accuracy rate. Pink or Blue® is 95% accurate
based on an internal survey.
Pink or Blue® is highly accurate in determining
the presence of male DNA in the mother’s blood. However,
there are a few instances, such as a recent blood transfusion
or a bone marrow transplant. These situations, amongst others,
can cause Y-specific chromosomal DNA detection causing false
results. For more information, please see Is
Pink or Blue® Right for Me?
10 weeks from your last menstrual period. Pink or Blue®
have developed a process to determine the baby’s sex
based on analysis of the fetal DNA in the mother's bloodstream.