Carrier screening is a genetic testing method used to identify individuals who carry a gene mutation for a specific genetic disorder. It is typically performed before or during pregnancy to assess the risk of passing on certain genetic conditions to children.
Carrier screening can be done for a wide range of genetic disorders, including those caused by single gene mutations such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and many others. These conditions are typically inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that an individual must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disorder. Carriers, who have only one copy of the mutated gene, generally do not show symptoms but can pass the gene mutation to their children.