PromicsEdge Family Planning (Carrier Status) Report FAQ

Family Planning — Carrier Status Reports

Carrier Status Reports analyze your client's genetic makeup to determine whether they carry gene mutations associated with inherited conditions. A carrier typically does not show symptoms themselves, 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 who are planning a family or want to understand their genetic risks for passing on inherited conditions.

🔗 View a Sample Report

Requirements

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

What the Reports Cover

SelfDecode 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 (meaning 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 impact your client's result.

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

How to Interpret Results

Your client's carrier status for each condition will fall 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, there is a chance their 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, with each pregnancy there is 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 possible 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. Individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds are more likely to carry specific genetic conditions. Each report specifies the most affected ethnicities where applicable. Some reports may be more relevant to certain populations than others.
• These reports are not diagnostic. Carrier Status Reports cannot be used to diagnose health conditions or make medical decisions on their own. Results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider or genetic counselor.
• Genetic diseases are rare. The information provided in each report is limited by how well studied the condition is across different populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carrier Status included with the standard client profile? No. Carrier Status Reports are part of the Medical Bundle, included in the Essential+ and Ultimate Bundles. They can also be purchased as a premium add-on. See our Professional Checkout & Pricing page for current pricing.

Can I use a third-party DNA file? No. Carrier Status 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 — we recommend referring them to a certified genetic counselor for a comprehensive discussion about their options and next steps.

🙋 Need Help?

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