|  Pink
or Blue® is based on the latest DNA gender
testing technology. The test analyzes fetal DNA found in the
mother’s blood.
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 (approximately 10 weeks from the last menstrual
period).
The scientists at Consumer Genetics have created a technology
that relies on this natural process and which can accurately
predict gender. The scientists developed an reliable process
which is now used commercially, in doctors offices and medical
centers, to easily and conveniently determine an unborn baby’s
sex as early as 7-weeks post-conception. The DNA test examines
the presence or absence of male-DNA found 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), which amplifies
small amounts of DNA to achieve easily detectable levels.
Pink or Blue®'s technology is more sensitive
than previous techniques and thus can provide an accurate
answer from just three drops of maternal blood (average amount/drops
to fill one circle on the DNA preservation card located in
the kits). Although results can be obtained from only one
circle, Consumer Genetics request that the expectant mother
fill all three circles.
The DNA specimens are always tested twice, in parallel, for
quality assurance and reliability purposes. Male-specific
DNA will be present in the specimen if the baby is a boy.
This is because the mother does not carry the male-specific
Y-chromosomal DNA. If there is not male-specific DNA detected
by the Pink or Blue® process, results indicate
a high probability that the mother is expecting a girl. All
DNA samples are analyzed in the Consumer Genetics laboratory,
located in Sunnyvale, California.
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 was 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 at correctly predicting gender. Note:
The 99% accuracy rate in the Galbiati research study was
performed under controlled conditions. The Pink or Blue®
accuracy rate in the hands of the consumer is calculated to
be greater than 95%, based on 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,
multiple-child pregnancies, previous male-child pregnancy,
or a bone marrow transplant, which may also contribute to
the presence of male specific DNA in the maternal blood. although
unlikely, these instances do occur, and may lead to false-positive
results.
More Information About the DNA Gender Test:
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