FirstScreen is a genetic carrier screening solution developed by First Genomix, designed to help determine whether a person carries a recessive genetic disorder. The test is one of the most innovative and comprehensive carrier screening solutions offered in the market where around 3000 genes associated with recessive genetic disorders are examined with 99% of the coding regions covered at 20X.
Every person has two copies of each gene. A carrier individual harbors one mutated copy and another normal copy of a gene. (Except for genes carried on sex-linked chromosomes)
Individuals who are carriers of a mutated gene do not exhibit symptoms of the genetic disorder but have a 50% statistical risk of passing on the mutated gene to their future offspring.
FirstScreen is offered to all individuals who want to know their carrier status for recessive genetic disorders. However, it is particularly recommended in cases of:
By gaining insight into their carrier status for recessive genetic conditions, couples can enhance their decision-making process when it comes to family planning.
The FirstScreen test report provides details about disease-causing variants found in genes related to recessive genetic disorders. If the patient gives consent, the report can also include information about disease-causing variants in 78 genes recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). These genes are associated with conditions that can be managed through preventive measures, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Additionally, the report may offer recommendations to assist in making clinical decisions based on the genetic testing results.
For couples with positive test results, genetic counseling sessions are offered to help them understand their reproductive options clearly and to help eliminate the chances of transmitting disease-causing genes to their offspring in the future.
