HEALTH PORTFOLIO

Carrier Status is a preconception carrier screening test for hereditary diseases. Nowadays, 5% of children are born with a hereditary pathology, and 20% of these children die within the first 5 years of life. Most rare diseases are inherited through autosomal recessive type when the parents are healthy. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals and couples undertake the preconception carrier screening before having children, to reduce risks of passing on hereditary conditions that result in genetic disorders developed by their children. It may also be crucial to know about such disorders because some conditions can be treated early in a child’s life. Knowing before, or early in pregnancy, can make a big difference in the wellbeing of the family. Several countries have already introduced a mandatory carrier screening for couples. More and more family planning and fertility clinics offer carrier screening to satisfy their clients by high quality service.