Accessibility Tools

Genetic Screening for Birth Defects

Genetic screening is usually suggested for couples:

  • Of certain racial or ethnic backgrounds predisposed to having a high risk for a particular birth defect
  • With a family or medical history of a particular abnormality
  • Suffering from a condition associated with a birth defect
  • With a high risk of being a carrier of a certain abnormality
  • In which the woman is of advanced age (over 35 years of age), having a previously affected child or a family history of chromosomal problems and miscarriage.

The birth defects associated with certain racial and ethnic backgrounds include sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, thalassemia and Tay Sachs. Those with a familial association include muscular dystrophy, sickle cell, seizures, Huntington’s disease, mental retardation, bleeding disorders, unexplained still-births and recurrent miscarriages. Advancement in woman’s age during pregnancy is linked to serious chromosomal abnormalities such as spinal bifida or Down syndrome.

Genetic testing can involve the examination of a sample of blood for certain disease markers or chromosomal deformities, using ultrasound image techniques to view any abnormality in the growing fetus, amniocentesis, where amniotic fluid is removed and tested, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), where cells from a particular stage of the developing embryo are removed for analysis of risk factors.

Genetic Screening for Birth Defects

You will need the Adobe Reader to view and print these documents. Get Adobe Reader

  • Mckinney

    McKinney
    6850 TPC Drive , Suite 105
    Unit B
    McKinney, TX 75070

    McKinney

    6850 TPC Drive , Suite 105
    Unit B
    McKinney, TX 75070

  • Rockwall

    Rockwall
    935 West Ralph Hall Pkwy
    Suite 103
    Rockwall, TX 75032

    Rockwall

    935 West Ralph Hall Pkwy
    Suite 103
    Rockwall, TX 75032

  • Dallas

    Dallas
    3800 San Jacinto
    Suite 123
    Dallas, TX 75204

    Dallas

    3800 San Jacinto
    Dallas, TX 75204

  • Tyler

    Tyler
    7925 S. Broadway Ave
    Suite 210
    Tyler, TX 75703

    Tyler

    7925 S. Broadway Ave
    Suite 210
    Tyler, TX 75703