Frequently Asked Questions

As early as five weeks into pregnancy. Most tests can be performed from early pregnancy onward, once sufficient fetal DNA is present in maternal blood. Stori’s test is the most sensitive prenatal gender test on the market and can reliably detect fetal gender as early as 5 gestational weeks.

A small at‑home blood sample. The Stori test requires a small blood sample collected at home using the provided collection device. The process is designed to be straightforward and does not require a clinic visit or professional appointment.

It is non‑invasive and designed for comfort. Stori’s collection method does not involve needles inserted into veins or any internal procedures. Most users experience minimal discomfort comparable to a brief skin prick.

It is purified, amplified, and reviewed under clinical standards. Once your sample arrives at the Stori laboratory, plasma is separated and fetal DNA is purified to remove background material. Controlled amplification (PCr) strengthens true biological signal, and built‑in verification steps confirm signal integrity. Results are reviewed by trained laboratory professionals before being released.

No. The test analyzes placental DNA fragments circulating in maternal blood.

No. The prenatal gender test only determines fetal sex and does not screen for genetic abnormalities.

Cell-free fetal DNA consists of small fragments of genetic material released from the placenta into the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy. Since placenta originates from embryonic cells, it shares the same genetic material as the fetus.

Soon after implantation, placental cells called trophoblasts actively invade the maternal uterine lining to establish blood flow between the mother and the developing placenta. These cells grow rapidly and are continuously renewed, and small fragments of their DNA are released in the mother’s bloodstream directly through the placental interface. As a result, cell-free fetal DNA can be detected in maternal blood weeks before the fetus itself can be visualized by ultrasound.

The fetal DNA detected in maternal blood originates from the placenta, which is derived from embryonic tissue.

Stori delivers over 99% accuracy when the test is taken at or after five weeks of pregnancy and when collection instructions are followed precisely. Accuracy depends on signal quality, timing, and verification—not inference. Stori reports results only when biological signal clarity meets internal confidence thresholds.

Timing, sample quality, and contamination control. Accuracy is influenced by how early you test, how much blood is collected, sample degradation during shipping, and how carefully contamination is avoided during collection. Early pregnancy contains very low amounts of fetal DNA, which requires sensitive handling and conservative result thresholds.

Yes, but the results may only provide partial information. Stori's test can detect the presence of male DNA in multiple pregnancies, but it cannot determine the biological sex of each fetus. A male result indicates at least one male fetus (but it cannot tell whether both fetuses are male, or if one is male and the other are females). A female result indicates no detectable male DNA; in this case, results indicate that all the fetuses are female.

Fertility treatments do not affect DNA-based results. Interpretation may vary depending on the pregnancy type (e.g. multiple embryo transfer) and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

No. Medications do not affect fetal DNA detection. Prescription medications, supplements, and vitamins do not interfere with DNA-based testing.

No. Previous pregnancies do not affect current results. Despite the fact that trace amounts of DNA from a previous pregnancy can be detected in maternal blood even years after delivery, those amounts will not interfere with results of your current test.

No. Pregnancy must be confirmed separately. Stori does not confirm pregnancy. Pregnancy should be confirmed through a healthcare provider or pregnancy test before using Stori.

It means there wasn’t enough DNA in the sample to confidently report a result. An inconclusive result means that the laboratory did not detect enough total DNA in the sample to reliably determine whether Y-chromosome DNA was present or absent. This is not due to a low Y-chromosome signal itself, but rather to insufficient overall DNA input. Because cell-free fetal DNA is present at very low levels early in pregnancy, a minimum number of DNA copies is required to confidently detect or exclude a Y-chromosome signal. When that threshold is not met, the result cannot be interpreted with sufficient confidence. This does not indicate a problem with the pregnancy or the test; it is primarily linked to insufficient sample quantity, or to sample quality being compromised during collection or shipment.

Fetal DNA is present in extremely small amounts early in pregnancy. At five to six weeks, fetal DNA exists in trace quantities within maternal blood. Factors such as low blood volume, clotting, insufficient mixing with preservative, or trace contamination during collection can reduce signal clarity. When conditions are not ideal, Stori errs on the side of restraint rather than risk an inaccurate result.

You’ll be offered a complimentary replacement kit or a refund. If your result is inconclusive, Stori will contact you automatically with next steps. You may choose to receive a replacement kit at no additional cost or request a refund. Replacement samples are prioritized once they arrive at our lab.

Every Stori sample is processed in-house within a CLIA-certified laboratory environment. Processing samples internally allows Stori to maintain full control over sample handling, processing, verification, and result integrity, without relying on third-party lab networks.

Trained laboratory professionals. Before any result is released, it is reviewed by trained laboratory professionals. This review confirms that signal quality, controls, and verification thresholds are met so that results reflect measured biology—not assumption.

Order directly on the Stori website. Your kit ships discreetly to your address. You can place your order directly through the Stori website. Once your purchase is complete, your kit is assembled, quality-checked, and shipped in plain, unbranded packaging to protect your privacy. You’ll receive confirmation and tracking details by email.

Yes. Kits are valid for up to 3 months. Stori kits have a shelf life of up to 3 months from the ship date. As long as the kit remains sealed and stored according to instructions, you may collect your sample whenever you’re ready within that time window.

Only before your order ships. If your order has not yet shipped, contact Stori Support as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to help. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be changed or canceled.

No, an account is not required to order, but you will be required to create an account to activate your test kit. An account allows you to register your kit, securely access your results, track sample status, and receive key updates throughout the process.

Yes. Multiple kits can be ordered. You may purchase more than one Stori kit in a single order. Each kit must be registered separately once received so results are correctly linked to the appropriate account.

No. Lab processing is included. All laboratory processing is included in the price shown at checkout when purchasing directly from Stori. There are no additional lab or processing fees added after purchase.

Stori currently ships test kits within the United States. International shipping options may be introduced in the future.

Yes, all Stori kits are shipped in plain, unbranded packaging with no indication of the contents, ensuring privacy and discretion.

Yes, Expedited shipping to your address and prepaid return shipping to the Stori laboratory are included with every order. There are no additional shipping fees for delivery.

Orders are typically processed quickly and arrive within 2 business days, depending on your location and shipping conditions. Orders received by 3pm PST will ship out same business day. Orders received after 3pm PST will ship the next business day.

Yes. Tracking information is provided by email. Once your order ships, you will receive an email with tracking information so you can follow your delivery.

At this time, Stori ships only to physical residential addresses and does not support PO boxes or APO/FPO destinations.

If your package appears delayed or lost in transit, contact Stori Support with your order number so we can assist in locating or replacing your shipment if necessary.

To ensure the highest standards of safety and test integrity, Stori test kits are not eligible for return once they have been shipped as all materials are sterile and single use.

Contact Support before your order ships. If you change your mind after placing an order, contact Stori Support as soon as possible. If the kit has not yet shipped, we may be able to cancel the order. Once shipped, orders cannot be refunded unless otherwise stated.

Yes - if your test result is inconclusive, Stori will offer you one complimentary replacement kit or a refund, depending on your preference. Our goal is to ensure you receive either clarity or fair resolution.

Yes, when used as directed. Stori stands behind the accuracy of its test when taken at the recommended time and collected according to instructions. If the confirmed biological sex at birth does not match your Stori result, please contact Support so we can review your case.

Refunds are typically processed within 7-10 business days. Once a refund is approved, it is processed back to the original payment method. Timing may vary depending on your financial institution, and refunds are typically completed within 7-10 business days.

Hydrate, wash your hands, and prepare a clean space. About 15–20 minutes before collection, drink a glass of water to support blood flow. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean your work surface, and set out all kit components. Use clean paper towels to dry your hands and avoid touching unnecessary surfaces once prepared. Ensureno male adults, children or pets are present in your collection space.

Any time you feel comfortable and can control your environment. There is no required time of day for collection. Choose a moment when you can follow preparation steps carefully, avoid interruptions, and ensure a clean, controlled environment.

Stori's test requires a small blood sample - approximately 200 microliters. Even if the collected volume is slightly lower, the sample can often still be analyzed. If you’re unsure whether enough blood was collected, return your sample and our lab team will evaluate it. If results cannot be determined, a complimentary replacement may be offered.

Take your time and follow instructions carefully. Make sure to warm the collection area of your arm with the included heat pad, and ensure the collection device is applied correctly and allow sufficient time for collection. Collection should take a minimum of 5 munites, up to a maximum of 10 minutes. Staying hydrated and relaxed can help. If you’re unable to collect a sample, contact Stori Support for guidance.

Avoid contamination and unnecessary contact. Do not allow adult males, male children, or male pets near the collection area. Avoid touching surfaces after washing your hands, and follow all instructions exactly to preserve sample integrity.

Secure it and send it back promptly. Once collected, seal the sample according to instructions and place it in the prepaid return packaging. Send it back to the lab within 24 hours to ensure optimal sample quality.

Primarily trace male DNA from people, pets, or surfaces. The most common source of interference is external male DNA, which can come from skin cells, breath, hair, or contact with nearby people, children, or pets. Environmental surfaces that are not cleaned properly can also introduce trace DNA.

Follow preparation steps carefully and control your environment. To minimize contamination risk, wash hands thoroughly, clean your workspace, and ensure that no adult males, male children, or male pets are present during collection. Use clean paper towels to dry hands and avoid touching unnecessary surfaces once prepared.

Yes—but helpers must be female. You may have assistance during collection if needed. To reduce contamination risk, helpers must be female and should also follow all preparation instructions carefully.

Not necessarily—but it may lead to an inconclusive result. If contamination is suspected, Stori may mark a sample as inconclusive rather than risk reporting an inaccurate result. This conservative approach ensures that only reliable biological signals are reported.

Through controlled handling and verification steps. All samples are handled individually within a controlled laboratory environment. Critical handling stages are performed by trained female laboratory professionals, and verification checkpoints are built into the workflow to monitor signal integrity before results are released.

Yes. Your data is handled as protected clinical information. Stori treats biological and personal data as protected clinical information by default. Your information is encrypted, securely stored, and handled within a controlled clinical system designed to limit access, retention, and use strictly to what is required to deliver your result.

Only you and essential laboratory personnel. Access to results is restricted to you and the trained laboratory professionals required to process, verify, and release your test. Stori does not provide results to third parties without your explicit direction or legal requirement. Once results are delivered, you will have the options to share your results with others, at your discretion.

No. Never. Stori does not sell, license, trade, or monetize customer data in any form. We do not build secondary datasets, participate in data marketplaces, or use customer data for profiling, or unrelated research.

No, unless you explicitly consent. Your data is not used for research, AI training, or product development unless you provide clear, informed consent. By default, your information exists for one purpose only: to deliver your test result.

It is disposed of under clinical standards. After your test results are delivered, your sample is not stored, reused, or shared. It is disposed of in accordance with established clinical laboratory and biohazard standards.

Yes. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time. Once deleted, your data cannot be recovered. Some limited records may be retained as required by law.

Typically within 24-48 hours of your sample arriving at our lab. Once your sample is delivered to the Stori laboratory, results are typically available within 24-48 hours. Timing may vary slightly depending on shipping conditions and verification steps, but every sample undergoes the same review process before results are released.

Through your secure Stori portal. Results are delivered through your private Stori account, where they can be viewed securely at any time. Optional email notifications are sent when results are ready, but the result itself is accessed through the Stori portal.

Yes. Stori tests can be purchased as gifts. You can purchase a Stori test kit as a gift. Kits ship in discreet, unbranded packaging and can be sent directly to the recipient, or to you, to give in person. Simply enter the desired shipping address at checkout.

Test results are delivered exclusively to the email address provided during kit registration. Results are delivered only to the email address specified when the kit is registered. This ensures the person who has taken the test maintains control over who sees their results.

When your results are released in the Stori portal, you can view them immediately, share them with someone else (for a gender reveal or surprise), or set a reminder to view them later.

Yes. You can designate a separate results recipient. When the results are released to the Stori portal, you may enter a different email address to receive results. This is commonly used for partner reveals, family surprises, or event planning.

Yes. All packaging is plain and unbranded. Stori ships all kits in neutral packaging with no indication of the contents, making them suitable for gifting and surprise use cases.

Log in using the email you used when registering your kit. You can access your Stori account by visiting the Stori website and logging in with the email address used when registering your kit. Your account is where you track sample status and view results.

Yes. Results are accessed through your secure account. For privacy and security reasons, all results are delivered through your Stori portal. Creating an account ensures only you - and anyone you explicitly authorize - can view your information.

Use the password reset link on the login page. If you’ve forgotten your password, select “Forgot password” on the login screen and follow the instructions sent to your email. If you no longer have access to that email, contact Support for assistance.

Yes. Your portal shows real-time status updates. Your Stori account displays the current status of your test, including kit registration, sample receipt, processing, and results availability.

Yes. Your test history is stored in your portal. If you have completed more than one Stori test, your account will show your test history, allowing you to reference previous results and statuses.

Contact Support to update your account. If you accidentally used the wrong email address at checkout or during registration, contact Stori Support with your order details so we can help update your account securely.

Through the Contact page on our website. You can contact Stori Support through the Contact page on our website or by emailing us directly at support@ourstori.com. Submitting a request ensures your message is routed securely to our support team and tracked through resolution.

Your order number or kit ID. Including your order number, kit ID, and the email address associated with your account helps our team assist you as quickly as possible.

Monday–Friday during standard business hours. Stori Support is available Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Response times may vary slightly during holidays or high-volume periods.

Typically within 1–2 business days. Most support inquiries receive a response within 1–2 business days. Complex issues may require additional time to review, but we aim to keep you informed throughout the process.

Yes. Our support team can assist with questions about kit registration, sample collection, contamination prevention, inconclusive results, and portal access. For any medical related questions, consult your healthcare provider.

With privacy and care. All support inquiries are handled confidentially. Access to your information is limited to what is necessary to resolve your request, and communication is conducted with care and discretion.

Our Support team is available to guide you through the process.

The collection device is designed to be simple, but assistance may be helpful in some cases.