In-Office Blood Tests for Patients

Traditional, in-office blood tests that can predict a baby’s sex are usually administered around 8 weeks into pregnancy during NIPT.

For this type of testing, a blood sample is taken from the expectant parent and sent to a lab to be analyzed. This analysis focuses on fetal DNA, which is present in the parent’s bloodstream in very low amounts.

Despite the small amount present, fetal DNA can indicate whether a baby is at an increased risk of having conditions like:

• Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
• Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
• Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)

What does this have to do with sex?

A baby’s risk to of the above conditions is based on the chromosomes detected in the fetal DNA sample. Chromosomes can also provide insight into sex. Specifically, if a Y chromosome is present in the fetal DNA, you’re likely expecting a baby boy. If no Y chromosome is present, you’ve likely got a little girl on the way. This can be a valuable diagnostic tool for expectant parents.

How much are in-office blood tests?

Around 64% of private insurance companies offer full coverage for NIPT, while others may partially front the cost. Because the purpose of NIPT is detecting chromosomal conditions (not determining sex), it’s typically covered if:

• You have a family history of chromosomal conditions
• Your ultrasound detects possible complications with fetal development or pregnancy
• You’re over the age of 35

Alternatively, if you’re wondering, “How much is an NIPT test without insurance,” NIPTs can range from between $800 and $2000, but this can vary widely depending on your location, how many panels you’re having done, and processing fees, which can differ from lab to lab.

At-Home Gender Blood Tests

If you’re only interested in learning your baby’s sex, rather than assessing the risk of chromosomal conditions, you don’t need to rely on NIPT. Instead, you can simply use an at-home gender blood test. The test can be performed early in pregnancy with just a small blood draw and is non-invasive, ensuring accurate results. While it won’t give you insights into chromosomal conditions, it will be able to predict the sex of your baby.

Regardless of your insurance coverage, the SneakPeek® Early Gender Test offers three at-home methods of learning your baby’s predicted sex at three affordable tiers. No need to stress too much, wondering things like “Can a Gender Blood Test Be Wrong?” – our test provides over 99% accuracy:

• Lancet Standard – A fingerprick-based test that costs only $79.
• Snap Standard – Our virtually pain-free Snap collection device costs only $99.
• Snap FastTrack – Get Snap, VIP service, and expedited results for only $159.

Plus, you can use the SneakPeek® Early Gender Test as soon as 6 weeks into pregnancy.

Our easy-to-use sampling kits also ensure you can take our test hygienically, with little to no risk of male DNA contamination. This ensures accuracy by minimizing external DNA interference. Plus, shipping costs to the lab are covered, saving you even more.

How do at-home blood tests work?

Different at-home blood tests may vary slightly in their approaches to collection and analysis, so let’s focus on the SneakPeek test in particular.

The SneakPeek Early Gender DNA Test was designed with simplicity, comfort, and reliability in mind. Here’s how our process works, from start to finish:

1. Order your test kit – You can order your test kit online or pick it up from a local retailer. The kit includes all of the materials and instructions you need to collect your sample easily and safely.
2. Collect your sample – You’ll retrieve a small sample of blood using either the Lancet or Snap method.
3. Mail your sample – Package your sample according to the instructions to secure it for shipping. Then, using the return label included, you can mail your materials to the SneakPeek lab to receive your early gender DNA test.

Once your sample arrives, our analysts use a centrifuge to separate plasma from the blood and extract cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA). These are tiny fragments of free-floating DNA from your baby, which circulate in your bloodstream during pregnancy.

Since the female bloodstream only contains X chromosomes, the presence of even one male Y chromosome in your blood sample indicates that you’re likely having a baby boy. If no Y chromosomes are found, you can expect a baby girl. This innovative method makes sex or gender reveal possible much earlier than traditional methods, changing how parents experience pregnancy.

No matter the sex of your baby, the SneakPeek At-Home Gender Blood Test boasts over 99% clinically accurate results—no doctor’s visits, waiting rooms, or additional medical costs required.

Types of Genetic Screening Products by SneakPeek

Not sure which SneakPeek test to choose? Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from each option:

Advantages and Drawbacks

NIPTs and at-home blood tests both offer advantages and drawbacks. For instance, parents who undergo in-clinic testing might like that these tests:

• Are conducted under medical supervision
• Screen for chromosomal conditions
• May be partially or fully covered by insurance (though you’ll want to check with your insurance company on this one)

That said, there are some potential drawbacks to in-person tests:

• They cost more out-of-pocket and result in higher bills
• You’ll need to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider
• They’re only offered after 8 weeks of pregnancy (depending on the lab, you may have to wait longer)

At-home testing to learn your baby’s predicted sex, like with the SneakPeek Early Gender DNA Test, has the following advantages:

• It’s convenient
• It’s affordable
• You typically get results quickly

However, keep in mind that at-home testing strictly screens for sex, not chromosomal conditions.

Next Steps After Taking Your Blood Test

What comes after you’ve taken your blood test? Aside from daydreaming names for your little miss or mister, it can help to get a head start on planning the rest of your pregnancy journey. Here are some top recommendations.

1. Schedule Your Next Prenatal Checkup

Home blood tests can be exciting, but they aren’t a substitute for NIPTs. It’s recommended that expecting parents schedule prenatal appointments at different frequencies during each trimester:

• First trimester – Every four weeks
• Second trimester – Every two weeks
• Third trimester – Every week

Think of each appointment as an opportunity to ask your healthcare provider any new questions you have about your or your baby’s health.

Meanwhile, your healthcare provider will monitor pregnancy basics, like weight gain and blood pressure. If there’s any cause for concern, they’ll be able to run tests and offer solutions quickly, ensuring the healthiest pregnancy possible.

2. Learn More About Your Baby’s Development

Whether you’re reckoning with your body’s changes or fascinated by what your little one is experiencing “in there,” this can be a great time to start learning more about your pregnancy.

Reading up-to-date research online or tapping into prenatal apps, books, and podcasts can provide you with insight, calm, and a deeper sense of connection to your baby, as well as to yourself.

3. Bond with Your Baby-to-Be

Many expecting parents feel closer to their little ones after learning their predicted sex—and this makes sense. After all, once you know your baby’s sex, you can more easily imagine the tiny human that will arrive at the end of your pregnancy journey.

It’s up to you how you choose to strengthen that bond: talking to your baby throughout the day, reading out loud from your favorite books, or singing songs for baby to hear are all wonderful ways to build a relationship with your little bundle before they’re officially due.

Get a Sneak Peek of Your Baby’s Sex Sooner

So, how much does a gender blood test cost?

The answer lies in the choice of a gender blood test. The good news is that there’s no need to wait or pay hundreds of dollars to learn your baby’s predicted sex.

The SneakPeek Early Gender DNA Test delivers results as early as 6 weeks into pregnancy and at budget-friendly prices. Plus, with privacy-protected data and results and a 100% money-back guarantee if your results don’t match your baby’s sex, it’s the safest, most reliable way to meet your little one on your time and your terms.

Order your kit today and start planning for joy.