Genetic Testing of Prospective Parents
The body’s genetic background is different for every human. Many of us carry genes that can induce severe diseases and create very debilitating conditions in our children. Genes for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X are particularly common.
Understanding Genetic Risks
If a couple shares a “bad” gene, the risk for the child is 25% — 1 in 4 — that the disease will be present. Two out of 4 will carry the gene but are healthy, and 1 out of 4 is normal and does not transmit the gene.
A screening blood test can detect hundreds of genes. We highly recommend that you undergo this test to find out if you and your partner are at risk of having a baby that can be affected by a particular disease.
Our Approach to Genetic Testing
At Friberg Fertility, we use Inheritest®, which evaluates 144 genes and can be extended up to 500 different genes.
After a blood draw, results are usually available after 3 weeks.
If both parents are positive for a gene and the child has a 25% risk of being affected, techniques are available using in vitro fertilization (IVF) to select transfer of only healthy embryos.
