During pregnancy, many patients opt to go through some sort of carrier screening. These are typically done before a woman gives birth and again after delivery. The purpose is to check for certain conditions that could pose health risks to the baby if left untreated. Common carrier screening items test for diabetes, obesity, HIV, Hepatitis A, and C viruses, as well as cancer. Expanded carrier screening products also screen for several other conditions, no matter who they are screened for, regardless of race, family history, or age.
Expanded genetic screening programs can also potentially be confusing and, in some cases, inaccurate. One problem is that only carriers of a certain genetic disorder are tested for. Unfortunately, some carriers may not even be aware of any problem. Even when they are informed, there is not always enough information to make a good decision regarding carrier screening. Another problem with expanded carrier screening occurs if the genetic counselor is unable to determine what disorder a patient has. Some diseases can be tested for in a number of ways and, in the case of some rare diseases, testing can also be performed post-test. Unfortunately, some of these diseases have no symptoms at all and the only way to determine if someone has them is by performing a blood test. In the case of post-test testing, genetic counselors sometimes incorrectly believe that symptoms are present or that they are related to the disease.
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