Carrier screening
Checks whether you carry genes for conditions like cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy that could be passed to children.
TypeGenetic
HowBlood or saliva sample.
How oftenOnce, ideally before pregnancy.
Before—
WhoPeople planning a pregnancy or in early pregnancy.
Healthy parents, affected child
Carriers have one changed copy of a gene and are usually healthy. If both partners carry the same condition, each child has a 1 in 4 chance of being affected.
Before pregnancy
“Should we test?”
Testing early gives the most options.
Best time
During pregnancy
“Is it too late?”
Still useful, ideally early.
Still useful
Both carriers
“What are our options?”
Genetic counseling, IVF with embryo testing, or prenatal testing.
Plan
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’re planning a pregnancy.
- You have a family history of a genetic condition.
A better option if…
- You’re not planning children - it’s rarely relevant.
How it’s measured
Expanded carrier panel
Tests for many conditions at once.
The full picture
What is it?
A genetic test for carrier status.
What type of test is it?
A genetic test.
What does it measure?
Whether you carry recessive gene variants.
Why might someone consider it?
To understand the chance of passing on a condition.
Who is it most relevant for?
People planning pregnancy.
How is it performed?
A blood or saliva sample.
How often might it be considered?
Once.
What can the result help you understand?
Your reproductive genetic risk.
What are its limitations?
Carriers are usually healthy; both partners may need testing.
What should it be viewed with?
Family history and partner testing.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Often with a genetic counselor - and more likely covered when family history supports it.
Genetic counseling services
Help you decide what to test and what results mean.
Direct-to-consumer tests
Available, but results should be confirmed clinically before acting on them.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Should my partner and I both be tested?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Carrier screening result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Carrier screening result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
Get my 30-day reportNo provider? Find a clinical partner
Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test