By relying on advanced DNA testing, the SneakPeek Early Gender Results test can predict an unborn baby’s gender with clinically-proven 99.9% accuracy as early as 7 weeks into pregnancy. But what about the remaining .1 percent? The most common culprit behind inaccurate results is actually sample contamination.
How can you avoid contaminating your sample during the collection process?
Surprisingly enough, it all comes down to a thorough hand-washing.
Why Hand-Washing is Crucial for an Accurate Result
Typically, a woman’s DNA will only contain X chromosomes, whereas a man’s DNA will contain both X and Y chromosomes. With a process called non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), SneakPeek’s scientists are able to analyze the cell-free fetal DNA found within your sample to determine whether any Y chromosomes (aka male chromosomes) are present, indicating the presence of a baby boy.
In fact, SneakPeek’s technology is so sensitive to Y chromosomes that even a single chromosome can be detected. While this allows for the most accurate results possible, it also means any interference from your hubby (and his Y-laden DNA) could yield a false positive for a male baby.
But keeping your collection area off-limits to the men in your life isn’t enough to completely avoid contamination. Because our DNA can be found in a number of places—including our skin cells, fingernails, hair, perspiration, saliva… you get the idea—it can easily transfer from one person to another.
To ensure your hands are free of any male DNA before collecting your SneakPeek test sample, let’s take it back to basics, and go over the proper hand-washing technique.
How to Properly Wash Your Hands
Before you lather up, make sure you have the essentials—soap and water. Both regular and antibacterial soaps can effectively clean your hands, so choose whichever you prefer.
Then, follow these steps:
- Rub your hands together to create a bubbly lather.
- Scrub the backs of your hands, your palms, your wrists, and the spaces between your fingers for at least 20 seconds.
- Make sure you clean beneath your fingernails to eliminate any sneaky male DNA that may be hiding there.
- Rinse your hands with running water.
- Dry your hands on a clean towel.
The Perfect 20-Second Long Hand-Washing Tunes
Rather than simply counting to 20 during your hand-washing session, sing the chorus of any of the following songs. They each take about 20 seconds and can make your scrub-a-dub-dubbing a lot more exciting:
- Love on Top by Beyonce
- Jolene by Dolly Parton
- Mr. Brightside by The Killers
- Truth Hurts by Lizzo
- Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Alternatively, by choosing one of the following more kid-friendly tunes, you’ll be well-prepared to show your little one how to thoroughly wash his hands and prevent the spread of germs when he’s old enough:
- If You’re Happy And You Know It Clap Your Hands (or, in this case, wash your hands)
- Mary Had a Little Lamb
- Baby Shark
- Happy Birthday (repeat twice to reach 20 seconds)
Additional Tips for Ensuring Accurate Results
By giving your hands a thorough pre-test scrub and following the guidelines below, you can avoid sample contamination, as well as clotting (which can cause inconclusive results):
- Don’t let any males touch your SneakPeek test box or any of the contents inside
- Keep males away from the collection area
- Sanitize all surfaces in the collection area
- Follow collection instructions exactly as written
Other Articles You Might Like
DNA testing isn’t the only science SneakPeek understands. Check out some of our other blogs to learn more about your pregnancy and your baby, including:
