Y-Chromosome DNA Test

In the 1970’s scientists discovered that fetal DNA passes through the placenta and enters the maternal blood circulatory system in the form of fetal metabolites or fetal DNA fragments. Experts point out that, the longer the fetus stays in the womb, the more concentrated the fetal DNA fragments will be in the maternal blood. In addition, the faster the diffusion process, the more fetal DNA fragments will be found in the maternal blood. To summarize, a longer gestation period and faster diffusion process, results in more fetal DNA fragments in the maternal circulatory system. Nowadays, fetal sex can be determined through the application of advanced maternal blood DNA testing technology as early as 5 gestation weeks. The test involves isolating the fetal DNA fragments from the maternal serum, and then extracting and amplifying them. Once millions or possibly billions of copies have been made, the male DNA will be tested with the Sex-determining Region Y (SRY) markers. In males, Y DNA is the genetic material that is inherited from the father only, which is crucial material for the fetus to develop as a male. Since Y DNA is inherited from the father and then passed on to the son, it can be used in paternity confirmation by simple comparison.

The Medtimes' R&D team continues to optimize genetic testing technology and has once again achieved a technological breakthrough, launching Hong Kong’s first innovative product: Y(i) Y chromosome genetic test. The birth of Y(i) has brought maternal blood Y chromosome gene testing technology to its peak. Previously, the earliest that the fetus's free gene fragments could be detected from the mother's blood was 5 weeks of gestation. Now the detection time can be pushed forward to 4 weeks of gestation.

The "i" in Y(i) means imbedding. The innovative technology allows the Y chromosome to be detected at the moment when the fertilized egg implants and the free gene fragments begin to pass through the placenta and enter the mother's blood circulation. However, to ensure accuracy, the test needs to be performed after 4 weeks. This pioneering move not only opens a new chapter for Hong Kong’s genetic technology, but also greatly advances the earliest time that customers can undergo this genetic test. It is the earliest method on the market to determine the sex of the fetus. The R&D team of Times Gene Testing Center has worked tirelessly to achieve full automation of the testing process, effectively improving the stability and accuracy of each test result, reaching the highest level in the industry.

If the mother is a carrier of an X chromosome genetic disease gene, the male fetus (containing a Y chromosome) has a 50% chance of developing the disease, such as amblyopia, epilepsy, mental retardation, etc. Therefore, a Y chromosome test is needed to detect whether the fetus is a male fetus (containing a Y chromosome) in order to prepare for the X chromosome genetic disease response.

Medtimes has always been leading the industry with its innovative professionalism. The five unique advantages of Medtimes' "Y-Chromosome Maternal Testing" have won the support and recognition of all customers.

The test report of the Y-chromosome has 64 DNA markers, which is 48 more than other tests which only have 16 DNA markers. This shows that this test can detect a wider and more subtle range, and the results will be more comprehensive and accurate.

Y-chromosome maternal test greatly improves the sensitivity of detection, reduces the impact of sample environment interference on the results, reduces the probability of "undetermined results", and improves the stability of the summary results.

Medtimes has reached another peak in the accuracy of Y-chromosome maternal test and has firmly established itself as a leader in genetic technology research and development. The accuracy of genetic test results has been improved to ≥99.995%.

The Y(i) test advances Y-chromosome maternal testing technology to a new stage, advancing the detection of fetal free gene fragments in maternal blood from the original 5 weeks of gestation to 4 weeks of gestation, allowing testing to be performed earlier.

Medtimes Laboratory has been awarded the ISO 15189 certification by the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) for medical laboratory services, which means that its management, equipment and technology have reached internationally recognized standards. Medtimes has been established for many years and has continuously optimized its scientific research and technology. It has also become a medical institution recognized by the Hong Kong government, providing customers with more reliable, professional and accurate testing services, which are safe and trustworthy!