Table 3 Options available to carrier couples, according to ECS providers
From: A systematic analysis of online marketing materials used by providers of expanded carrier screening
Provider | Illustrative quotes (medium) |
|---|---|
Baylor Genetics | “If you and your partner are found to be at a significantly increased risk of having a child affected with one of these disorders, there are many family planning options you can discuss with your health care provider (including, but not limited to, using an egg or sperm donor, adoption, prenatal testing, or preimplantation genetic diagnosis).” (website text) |
“If both parents are found to be carriers for the same disease, then you may want to discuss your family planning options with your physician or a genetic counselor.” (Information video voiceover) | |
GenPath Diagnostics | “If both you and your partner are carriers for the same autosomal recessive disorder, or if the female is a carrier for an X-linked disorder, there are many options available to you. If InheriGen is performed prior to conception, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD is available, which can test embryos for a particular disease prior to implantation. During pregnancy, prenatal diagnostic testing by chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis can be performed to determine if the fetus is affected with certain genetic diseases. It is your decision whether or not to undergo prenatal testing. A genetic counselor can review the risks, benefits and limitations of prenatal diagnostic testing, as well as the spectrum of disease manifestations so you can make a decision that is right for you. Some couples at risk of having a child with a genetic disease may not wish to conceive a pregnancy using their own egg or sperm. These couples may wish to pursue pregnancy using egg or sperm donation, or they may consider adoption.” (Information video voiceover) |
Igenomix | “In the event of a couple’s match being positive, Igenomix will assist them in carrying out the PGD treatment necessary to prevent the transmission of the disease to their baby.” (Information video voiceover) |
Baby Genes | “Baby Genes Carrier Screening targets 105 genes that are clinically linked to 71 newborn metabolic conditions. Nearly all of these conditions have successful treatment options to enable the child to develop normally if detected early. As a parent, it is important to understand the inheritance risks involved with your pregnancy and prepare appropriately in the event that your child is affected. If detected early, the child can be appropriately diagnosed and treated. Carrier screening provides proactive information that may potentially save your child’s life.” (website text) |
