Most of us carry a few silent changes in our genes. Being a carrier does not affect your own health. But if both partners carry a change in the same gene, there is a 1 in 4 chance in each pregnancy that the child inherits the condition. Carrier screening finds this out before it happens.
Why it matters in the UAE
Recessive conditions such as thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy and metabolic disorders are more common here, and marriage between relatives increases the chance that both partners carry the same change. Screening gives couples information early, when they have the most options.
What the test involves
A small blood sample (2–5 mL) or a saliva sample — no fasting, no preparation.
Results in about 21 working days (26 for the largest panel).
Three panel sizes: 11, 172, or more than 1,200 conditions. Your doctor will help you choose.
What your result can say
Negative — no carrier status found for the conditions screened. A small residual risk always remains.
Carrier — you carry one copy. Your health is not affected, but your partner should be tested.
Both partners carriers of the same condition — a 25% chance in each pregnancy. A genetic counsellor will discuss your options with you.
Your options if you are an at-risk couple
IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-M) to select unaffected embryos.
Prenatal diagnosis during pregnancy (CVS or amniocentesis).
Preparing for early treatment at birth, where treatment exists.
Donor gametes, adoption, or continuing without further testing.
Carrier screening is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It cannot detect every genetic change or every condition, and a negative result reduces — but does not remove — risk.
Your privacy
Your sample and results are handled confidentially and released only to the doctor who ordered the test, unless you give written permission otherwise. You can ask for your residual sample to be destroyed at any time.
Questions?
Speak with your clinician or ask for a session with a geneticlab genetic counsellor before or after testing.