Many individuals carry genetic changes that do not affect their own personal health, but could potentially be passed on to children. Carrier blood testing screens for these inherited conditions, most often recessive disorders, by checking whether one or both partners carry the same specific gene mutation.
If both partners are carriers, there is a higher risk of passing the condition to their offspring. With this knowledge, patients can make informed reproductive decisions, including the option of testing embryos before pregnancy to help ensure the best chance for a healthy child.
What is carrier blood testing and who should get it?
Carrier blood testing screens for inherited genetic conditions that may not affect your own health but could be passed on to your children. We recommend it for anyone planning a pregnancy, especially those with a family history of genetic conditions or from populations with higher carrier frequencies for certain disorders.
What happens if both partners test positive as carriers?
If both partners carry the same gene mutation, there is an increased chance of passing that condition to a child. This doesn’t mean pregnancy isn’t possible; it means you have options. We can discuss preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen embryos before transfer, giving you the best chance of a healthy pregnancy.
Does being a carrier mean I have the condition myself?
No. Most carriers are completely healthy and have no symptoms. Carrier status simply means you carry one copy of a gene mutation for a recessive disorder. The condition typically only develops when a child inherits two copies, one from each parent. Carrier testing gives you this knowledge before pregnancy so you can make informed reproductive decisions.