WARRINGTON-based testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs, is the first in the UK to offer DIY at-home baby-gender testing, using the innovative, fuss-free TinyTAP device.
The device, which has never been made available to UK consumers before, makes it possible for expectant parents to collect their own blood sample at home and return it to the laboratory for the purpose of baby gender testing, with no medical appointments required.
Unlike other laboratories that require a venous blood draw, AlphaBiolabs’ easy-to-use, pain-free TinyTAP device is simply pressed against the mother’s upper arm to collect a small blood sample.
The sample can then be returned to the company’s laboratory to determine whether the baby is a boy or a girl from as early as six weeks into pregnancy, with 99 per cent accuracy.
Rachel Davenport, director at AlphaBiolabs, said: “We are proud to be the first to offer the convenience of the TinyTAP device for expectant parents looking to find out the sex of their baby.
“We are at the forefront of innovation in our industry, and the benefits of this device are numerous. From removing the need for time-consuming medical appointments, to enabling expectant parents to collect their own sample in the privacy of their home, entirely pain-free, with zero fuss.
“We’re excited for parents to experience TinyTAP as part of their pregnancy journey.”
To support the introduction of the device, AlphaBiolabs conducted a survey of 1,000 expectant and new parents, which revealed some surprising attitudes towards baby gender across the country.
The North West ranked second in the top five “most disappointed” regions – with 14 per cent of parents saying they have experienced gender disappointment after finding out the sex of their baby.
However, this figure is likely to be much higher in reality, as 56 per cent of North West respondents said that they would not admit their feelings to friends or family if the sex of their baby was not what they’d hoped for.
Additionally, 40 per cent of North West respondents said they they would want to find out the sex of their baby as soon as possible if given the option, with one in three citing “managing personal expectations and emotions” as one of the primary reasons for finding out early.
