Test library
Prenatal Carrier Screening Panel
This panel screens carrier status for spinal muscular atrophy, Fragile X syndrome, and cystic fibrosis using a blood sample. It supports reproductive planning discussions.
Order Prenatal Carrier Screening Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Prenatal Carrier Screening Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $1
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Prenatal Carrier Screening Panel is a blood test that looks for carrier status of three inherited conditions: spinal muscular atrophy, Fragile X syndrome, and cystic fibrosis. A carrier typically has one altered copy of a gene and usually does not have symptoms, but can pass the altered copy to a child. The panel provides information that people and their healthcare providers can use when discussing reproductive planning and further testing options.
What this test measures
Spinal muscular atrophy is associated with changes in the SMN1 gene, and carrier testing typically measures SMN1 copy number. Fragile X syndrome is linked to expansions of a CGG repeat in the FMR1 gene, which are sized during testing. Cystic fibrosis is caused by variants in the CFTR gene, and testing usually combines variant analysis with sequencing and deletion or duplication studies, depending on the laboratory.
Only a blood sample is required for this panel, and the laboratory analyzes the relevant genes for each condition. Because different techniques are used for each gene, the report is organized by condition and may include a carrier status interpretation plus a residual risk estimate when one is provided. Detection varies by condition and by the specific variants a person carries.
People may order carrier screening before or during pregnancy, or when there is a family history of one of these conditions. It can also be done when a partner's carrier status is known. Genetic counselors and qualified healthcare providers can explain results, discuss what they mean for family planning, and arrange additional testing when appropriate.
- SMN1 gene copy number for spinal muscular atrophy carrier status
- SMN2 copy number when reported by the laboratory
- FMR1 CGG repeat sizing for Fragile X carrier status
- CFTR variant analysis for cystic fibrosis carrier status
- CFTR sequencing and deletion or duplication analysis as performed by the laboratory
- Carrier status interpretation for each condition
- Residual risk estimate when provided with the report
Why people order this test
- Learn carrier status before or during pregnancy
- Evaluate risk when there is a family history of these conditions
- Support reproductive planning discussions with a healthcare provider
- Follow up on a partner's known carrier result
- Gather information for genetic counseling
How to prepare
No fasting is required. A blood sample is collected at the lab following its instructions. Because results have implications for family members, a healthcare provider or genetic counselor can help prepare you for the testing process and explain what results may mean.
Understanding your results
Results are typically available within one to three business days for standard processing, though some laboratories require longer for complex genetic analysis. The report describes carrier status for each condition and may include a residual risk estimate. A qualified healthcare provider or genetic counselor should interpret the results with your family history.
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Connecticut
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Delaware
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Florida
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Georgia
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Hawaii
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Idaho
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a carrier?
A carrier has one altered copy of a gene and usually does not develop the condition, but can pass the altered copy on to a child. Whether a child is affected depends on the other parent's status and the condition.
Does a normal result mean my child cannot inherit these conditions?
No test detects every possible variant. Carrier screening reduces but does not eliminate risk, and a residual risk may remain depending on the condition and the laboratory's methods.
Who should consider carrier screening?
Screening may be considered by anyone planning a pregnancy, and it is often discussed when there is a family history or a known carrier in the couple. A healthcare provider can advise.
Does this panel test the baby?
No. This is a carrier screening panel performed on a blood sample from the person being tested. It does not examine a pregnancy directly.
How is the sample collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm, during a brief lab visit.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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Every page on this site is reviewed for clarity, sourcing, and accuracy. We update our library as testing options, collection networks, and accreditation standards change.