Carrier screening
Carrier screening is a type of genetic test that is performed on individuals to identify if they are carriers of certain genetic disorders that could be passed on to their children. Carrier screening can be done before or during pregnancy and involves analyzing DNA samples to determine if an individual carries mutations in specific genes associated with genetic disorders.
Carrier screening can be particularly useful for people who have a family history of genetic disorders or who are from ethnic populations with a higher incidence of certain genetic disorders. Identifying carriers of genetic disorders can help couples make informed decisions about their reproductive options, including the use of assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF and Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to prevent the transmission of genetic disorders to their children.
Why Carrier screening test?
Carrier screening is done to identify who are carriers of certain genetic disorders that could be passed on to their children. Many genetic disorders are caused by mutations in specific genes that are inherited from parents who are carriers of the mutation but may not exhibit symptoms of the disorder themselves. Identifying carriers of genetic disorders can help prospective parents make informed decisions about their reproductive options, such as the use of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and PGD, to prevent the transmission of genetic disorders to their children. Carrier screening can also help with family planning by identifying the risk of having a child with a genetic disorder, allowing individuals and couples to make informed decisions about having children and seeking appropriate medical care. Overall, carrier screening can help prevent the transmission of genetic disorders and promote healthier pregnancies and families.
