Yes. Preconception carrier screening is recommended for Jewish individuals of all backgrounds. This includes individuals of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish descents, whose ancestors populated many diverse countries in Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East following dispersion from Israel in ancient times.

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The carrier screening panel includes testing for more than 260 genetic diseases that are commonly found in people with many different backgrounds. Therefore, it is valuable for anyone planning a pregnancy.

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jscreen offers clinical tests for carrier screening and hereditary cancer. This comprehensive testing can provide comprehensive information that can be used for reproductive planning and medical management.

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Direct-to-consumer tests such as 23andMe screen for ancestry, traits, and may provide some limited health information. This screening should not be used to make medical decisions and any known mutations should be repeated in a clinical setting.

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Hereditary cancer genetic testing may still be  important even if one or both  parents test negative. First, hereditary cancer testing now includes significantly more genes than just BRCA1 and BRCA2. Newer testing methods might identify risks that were not detected in previous tests, ensuring a more complete understanding of your cancer risk.

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Additionally, you could still inherit a cancer-related genetic mutation from the other parent or rarely acquire a mutation independently. 

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If you have questions about your family member(s) genetic testing, please contact a jscreen genetic counselor here.

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Your doctor may be able to order testing, but here are some things to consider:

• Genetic counselors are specially trained to interpret complex genetic data and provide personalized guidance on test results, risks, and next steps. Unlike most physicians, genetic counselors focus solely on genetics and can offer in-depth explanations, help navigate emotional or familial concerns, and ensure that you fully understand the implications of the results for your health and family planning. 

• There are many types of genetic tests on the market and a genetics specialist  can assist in selecting the most appropriate tests based on your personal and family history.

All jscreen participants are offered and encouraged to speak with a genetic counselor to review their results and and receive a personalized care plan

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Even if a sibling tests negative, each individual still has their own unique combination of genes inherited from parents. Reproductive carrier screening is important because there's still a possibility that you could carry a genetic condition that your sibling does not. Testing ensures you have accurate information about your own carrier status, which is essential for informed family planning. In addition, females (sex assigned at birth) should always screen so that they can be tested for X-linked conditions.

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