Why do you need to know my sex at birth?

Updated on

For two reasons:  

  • Quality control. We compare the sex you provide with that indicated by your DNA, based on your sex chromosomes (X and Y). If they do not match, we review the sample to make sure everything is correct.  

  • Personalised results. Some conditions affect people with XX and XY chromosomes differently, and genetic susceptibility is calculated using studies carried out in these groups.  

We recognise that this classification does not fully reflect the experiences of intersex and trans people. As research progresses, we hope to offer results that better meet their needs.