PromicsEdge Family Planning (Carrier Status) Report FAQ

Family Planning (Carrier Status) Reports

Family Planning (Carrier Status) Reports analyze your client's DNA to determine whether they carry gene mutations linked to inherited conditions. A carrier usually shows no symptoms but can pass these variants to their children — potentially causing the condition if both parents carry the same mutation.

These reports are an essential tool for clients planning a family or wanting to understand their risk of passing on inherited conditions.

🔗 View a Sample Report

Requirements

Family Planning (Carrier Status) Reports require a SelfDecode DNA kit. They are not available with third-party DNA file uploads.

What the Reports Cover

PromicsEdge provides carrier status analysis for 40 genetically inherited conditions, including:

• Cystic Fibrosis
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Tay-Sachs Disease
• Gaucher Disease
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Beta-Thalassemia
• Familial Dysautonomia
• Canavan Disease
• And 32 more

For the full list, see the report list page under the "Family Planning (Carrier Status)" section.

What Each Report Includes

Carrier Status — Whether your client is a carrier for the condition (they have a mutation in one copy of the gene).

Condition Details — A description of the genetic condition, how it's inherited, and its potential health impact.

Genetic Variants — The specific variants analyzed and how they affect your client's result.

Next Steps — Guidance on genetic counseling and what the results may mean for family planning decisions.

How to Interpret Results

Your client's carrier status for each condition falls into one of the following categories:

Not a Carrier — Your client does not carry a detected variant for this condition. The risk of passing it to their children is very low (though not zero, since not all variants can be tested).

Carrier (One Copy) — Your client carries one copy of a variant associated with this condition. They are unlikely to be affected themselves but can pass the variant to their children. If the other parent is also a carrier for the same condition, the child could inherit two copies and be affected.

At Risk / Two Copies — Your client carries two copies of the variant, meaning they may be affected by the condition themselves. This result warrants further clinical follow-up.

When Both Parents Are Carriers

When both parents carry a variant for the same autosomal recessive condition, each pregnancy has approximately:

• A 25% chance the child inherits two copies and is affected
• A 50% chance the child inherits one copy and is a carrier (like the parents)
• A 25% chance the child inherits no copies

Limitations

• Not all conditions are covered. The reports currently test for 40 genetic conditions. Not all inherited disorders are included.
• Not all variants are detected. For each condition, the report analyzes the most commonly studied and clinically relevant variants. Rare variants, insufficiently researched variants, or variants not available on our genotyping platform may not be included.
• Ethnicity matters. People from certain ethnic backgrounds are more likely to carry specific conditions. Each report specifies the most affected ethnicities where applicable, so some reports are more relevant to certain populations than others.
• These reports are not diagnostic. Family Planning (Carrier Status) Reports cannot diagnose health conditions or drive medical decisions on their own. Results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider or genetic counselor.
• Genetic diseases are rare. The detail in each report is limited by how well the condition has been studied across populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Family Planning (Carrier Status) included with the standard client profile? No. It's part of the Medical Bundle. See our Professional Checkout & Pricing page for which bundles include it and for current pricing.

Can I use a third-party DNA file? No. These reports require a SelfDecode DNA kit.

Should I recommend genetic counseling for my client? If your client receives a carrier result — especially if both partners are carriers for the same condition — refer them to a certified genetic counselor for a full discussion of their options and next steps.

🙋 Need Help?

If you have questions about Family Planning (Carrier Status) Reports or any other feature, reach out at support@promicsedge.com or use the chat bubble in your account.