Who Gets the Test?

Genetic testing is an option for any woman before or during pregnancy. Sometimes the baby's father gets tested, too. Your doctor may suggest genetic testing if family history puts your baby at a higher risk of inherited diseases.

The tests you need may depend on your heritage. Certain ethnic groups have a higher risk of certain diseases. For instance, people with eastern European or Ashkenazi backgrounds have a higher risk of Tay-Sachs disease and Canavan disease. African-Americans have a higher risk of sickle cell disease. Whites have a higher risk of cystic fibrosis.

Doctors use different types of genetic testing. Standard screenings check your baby's risk of birth defects such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, neural tube defects, and others. Carrier tests can show if you -- or the baby's father -- could carry genetic diseases. These include cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs, and others.

A nurse or phlebotomist will take a sample of your blood or saliva. There is no risk to you or your baby.

Genetic tests don't diagnose your baby with a disease. They only tell you if your baby has a higher risk. Your doctor may suggest follow-up tests, such as amniocentesis or CVS, to get more information.

Testing the father can also help. Some diseases can be inherited only if both parents carry the gene. Your doctor can rule out some problems, such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia, if the father tests negative -- even if you test positive.

Just once.

Carrier Screening, Triple Screen, Quad Screen, Multiple Marker Screening

Amniocentesis, CVS

Originally posted here:
Genetic testing - WebMD

Comments are closed.