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Carrier Genetic Test (CGT)

What is CGT?

CGT (carrier genetic testing) is a vital aspect of your reproductive health? According to the specialist carrier genetic screen gives you the basic insights related to the changes your genes encompass. An unidentified fetus can pose a risk of getting transferred to your offspring. However, the identification of this genetic carrier can help couples to assess the chances of genetic disorders in the children. This guide gives you a basic understanding of potential risks that can be visualized with CGT and how important it is for couples to get their hands on this test before they are planning to start their family

Carrier Genetic Testing

Genetic basis and inheritance pattern

Genetic specialists refer to genes as the basic unit for heredity. These genes consist of DNA codes that have vital information such as development functions, eye color, hair color and maintenance. Patterns such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive X linked or these variables are then passed on to the different generations throughout. Having sound knowledge of these patterns is important in predicting the occurrence of the genetic conditions that may run. CGT is a vital part and it helps in guiding and making informed decisions for starting up your family.

Genetic basis and inheritance

What are Genes?

These are tiny fragments of proteins that are responsible for carrying instructions. They consist of a sequence of amino acids. You can say that they are like blueprints that are crucial for running the biological processes. The genes carry various DNA codes. Any changes in the gene can result in a gene mutation and this is what eventually causes disorders in any offspring

Understanding Genetic Carrier Status:

Genetic carrier status is a condition that refers to a person carrying a code for any mutation of a gene that is linked with a disorder genetically. It is important to note that carriers may not manifest any symptoms of disorders themselves. However, if the carrier’s genes are passed to the offspring they may show the signs of the disease or disorder. It is very important to get an evaluation of genetic carrier status to highlight the potential risks that can be transferred to future generations.
Conditions that are screened through CGT:

Before having a central idea about how CGT works let us have a closer look at some of the conditions that are screened with CGT:

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Thalassemia
  • Hemophilia A

How is a CGT procedure carried out in routine practices?

Carrier genetic testing is one of the minimally invasive screening procedures. It causes no harm to the candidates and the test is easily accessible for every couple. Following are the steps performed in a single carrier genetic testing procedure:

  • Initially, a non-invasive sample is collected as a specimen. This includes the blood or saliva of the candidate
  • the genetic analysis targets the specific mutations of the gene that has links with the heredity disorders
  • the carriers of the disease are identified as the presence of gene markers highlight the mutated gene
  • the results are quick and are dispatched within a day or two

Interpretation of the carrier results

The test results achieved after the CGT confer and help to identify candidates who have mutation in their genes linked with hereditary complications. Thanks to the genetic counselors who play a pivotal role in explaining these results. The role of genetic counselors is to distinguish and elaborate on differences between carriers and non carriers. You will be able to get comprehensive support and primary care from the counselors that will help you navigate your family planning more easily. These specialists are also experts in helping you out to interpret the results of your tests.

Family planning considerations

Carrier genetic testing is out to help make stern family planning decisions. It provides a proper status for candidates with regard to presenting hereditary disorders. Believe it or not this technology assists candidates to go for reproductive technologies.
One such example is genetic screening IVF. These technologies limit the risk of genetic disease transfer and also help infertile couples with assisted conception.

Moreover, any prenatal scanning artists give additional explanations to candidates during pregnancy which is one of the vital aspects taken into consideration. By choosing CGT you will be assured of your family planning consideration and it will help foster your well-being during your pregnancy journey as well. Be it a natural pregnancy or an aided one, prenatal screening for couples is crucial.

Cultural and ethical considerations

Prenatal screening and genetic testing prior to starting a family are still considered taboo in many communities and sects. It is high time that all these traditional norms should be ignored. Healthcare providers are helping many candidates to choose the right path for fertility first begins with screening tests like CGT.

Ethical considerations in CGT

Ethical considerations are important in any medical procedure. This helps in gaining the trust of the candidate and also maintains the code of ethics as per the medical guidelines. Candidates can rely on and have access to this test because:

  • The testing is done with the consent of the candidate
  • both the partners are educated about the procedure
  • their confidentiality identity and privacy is well maintained
  • any documentation or genetic information shared is well-documented

What is the cost of carrier genetic testing?

CGT screening cost is variable depending upon the local area setting and the sovereignty of the hospital. Cost of CGT test approximately Rs 25000.

Excited to start your family?

Book yourself for a pregnancy genetic carrier screening right now. This test will not only help your pregnancy journey go smoothly but will also give you the insights that are important to know with respect to any genetic disorder that may occur. You can now get to know about any disease or disorder prior to conceiving. All thanks to the pre-screening technologies.

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