FAQs

General Questions

ReproGEN – a reproductive carrier screening test designed for individuals between the ages of 18-45 to determine their risk for having a child with a genetic disease. The panel tests for more than 200 genetic diseases, such as Tay-Sachs and sickle cell disease, and includes those that are commonly found in the Jewish population and other populations. To view a complete list of the conditions on the ReproGEN panel, click here.

CancerGEN – a cancer screening test designed for individuals who are 21 and older that looks for genetic changes that increase the risk for many types of cancer. The panel tests for more than 70 genes, such as BRCA1/2, that are related to heredity cancer. To view a complete list of genes on the CancerGEN panel, click here.


No, we do not do testing to determine where a person’s ancestors originated.

Step 1: Request a kit
Click on the “request your kit” button at the top of the page and choose the test that’s right for you.

Step 2: Receive the kit
JScreen will obtain a test order on your behalf and a “spit kit” will be mailed to your home (U.S. only).

Step 3: Send the kit
Send your saliva sample to our certified testing lab in the pre-paid mailer included with your kit.
Click to see how to send your saliva sample.

Step 4: Get results
Certified genetic counselors will review your results with you via telehealth. You will receive a copy of the results to share with your healthcare provider when the entire process is complete.


Results are typically available within 3 weeks from the time the sample arrives at the lab.

You will receive an email indicating that your results are ready with instructions on how to get them. Most people will be directed to schedule a telehealth genetic counseling session to receive their results. Once the entire process is complete, we’ll share your results with you to share with your healthcare provider.

The privacy of your health information is very important to us. JScreen follows federal and state privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and regulations (HIPAA), to protect your personal health information. The entities that will have access to your medical and genetic information include: JScreen at Emory University, the independent testing laboratory, and the ordering healthcare provider. In addition, if you provide your health insurance information and your health insurance company requests your results, that information would be provided to them. At the end of the screening process you will be given a copy of your results.

Neither JScreen nor the testing lab will sell your information to third parties.


Yes. The DNA that comes from blood is the same as the DNA from saliva, so the accuracy is the same.

Yes. JScreen has a limited amount of need-based financial assistance available for those who qualify. You can find a copy of our policy here. To apply, your first step is to request a test kit at JScreen.org and choose “financial assistance” on the payment step. Once we receive the kit request, we’ll email a financial assistance application to complete for consideration. Decisions can take up to five business days and are made by a third-party reviewer.

There is no charge for your phone or secure video counseling session. Your telehealth appointment is included as part of the JScreen program fee for both current and past patients.

Reproductive Genetic Testing


JScreen’s ReproGEN test is a reproductive carrier screening test to determine the risk for having a child with a genetic disease. The test is designed for individuals between the ages of 18-45. The panel tests for more than 200 genetic diseases, such as Tay-Sachs and sickle cell disease, and includes those that are commonly found in the Jewish population and other populations. To view a complete list of the conditions on the ReproGEN panel, click here.

The ReproGEN test will tell you if you are a carrier of a genetic disease and your risk for having a child with that condition. See below to find out what it means to be a carrier and the type of conditions on the ReproGEN panel.

Carriers
Typically, people who are carriers of diseases on the ReproGEN panel do not have symptoms. There are two types of diseases on this panel: recessive and X-linked diseases.

Recessive Diseases
Two carriers of the same recessive disease have a 25 percent chance for each of their children to be affected with that disease. Carrier couples are counseled about their reproductive options to build a healthy family.

X-Linked Diseases
For female carriers of X-linked diseases, there is a 50 percent chance that any of her sons will be affected, regardless of her partner’s carrier status. Therefore, if only one member of a couple will be tested, JScreen recommends that the female screens first. Female carriers will be counseled about their reproductive options.

Learn more about JScreen’s ReproGEN test with this short video.


While many people will test positive for at least one disease, only a small percentage of couples will find out they have a high risk to have a child with a genetic condition. The good news is there are options to help these couples plan for a healthy baby.

• IVF/preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-M)

• Use of donor sperm or egg

• Adoption

• Prenatal diagnostic testing options during pregnancy

• Testing the child after birth and/or treating the condition, as needed or as available

It is best to meet with a genetic counselor or doctor before pregnancy to discuss reproductive options.


You should consider the ReproGEN test when you are starting or expanding your family to help determine your risk for having a child with a genetic disease. JScreen recommends testing prior to a pregnancy. However, if you or your partner are already pregnant, we recommend testing as soon as possible.

JScreen’s ReproGEN test is not designed to explain symptoms of an undiagnosed condition. However, there is a small chance that testing will indicate you have or are at-risk for a medical condition, such as familial Mediterranean fever or Gaucher disease. If this happens, your genetic counselor will review this information with you and speak with your doctor about appropriate follow-up care. If you are concerned about your personal health, we recommend that you speak with your health-care provider or a local genetic counselor.

JScreen recommends that all individuals who plan to have a child have carrier screening to get the most comprehensive risk assessment. However, if only one member of a couple will be tested, JScreen recommends that the female screens first, so that she can be tested for X-linked conditions.

At JScreen, you will be tested for more than 200 conditions, including those common in Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrahi populations. Your results will be provided to you (either individually or together with your partner) by a genetic counselor. Individuals screened through Dor Yeshorim are tested for fewer diseases and do not receive copies or details of their results. JScreen does not have access to any Dor Yeshorim results and is unable to compare them with any JScreen results.

JScreen does not provide compatibility services or anonymous matching. However, with consent from both partners, we can provide results to both partners together in a joint genetic counseling session.

Some insurance carriers will cover carrier screening and genetic counseling; however, the out-of-pocket costs differ by type of insurance, regardless of history. JScreen charges a set program fee that applies to everyone, regardless of family history, or insurance coverage or deductibles. Depending on the policy holder’s benefits, the lab may file a claim with insurance for the actual cost of testing. Even if the claim is denied or insurance is not billed, your only out-of-pocket expense is the JScreen program fee. Our generous donors make this discounted rate possible.

Should I be tested if…


Yes. Over time, new diseases are added to screening panels. JScreen recommends the most comprehensive screening to help ensure the health of your future family, even if you already have a healthy child. If you have a specific question about your previous screening, contact a JScreen genetic counselor at [email protected].

Yes. The vast majority of children with these diseases are born to parents who have no family history of the disease. Remember that carriers are healthy and usually don’t have symptoms of the disease.

Yes. JScreen’s ReproGEN panel includes more than 200 genetic diseases that are commonly found in people with Jewish and non-Jewish ancestry. Therefore, the JScreen panel is valuable for anyone planning a pregnancy.

Yes. The JScreen panel includes disease genes that are common in the Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrahi populations, as well as other populations.

No. The ReproGEN test is intended for people who are planning to start or expand their family and wish to know if they are at increased risk to have a child with a genetic condition. Consider why you are testing:

Curiosity – JScreen is a nonprofit that receives grant funding to subsidize ReproGEN testing down to $149. Our grant terms specify that the funding be used for reproductive purposes only, and that the subsidy be offered to people ages 18-45. If you choose to get tested, you may do so at the self-pay rate of $299.

For my children – your test results will not provide complete information about what your children may carry. Regardless of your results, we would encourage your children to consider testing when they are ready. If you choose to get tested, you may do so at the self-pay rate of $299.

For a genetic diagnosis – JScreen’s test is not designed to diagnose a person with unexplained symptoms. If you think you have a genetic disorder, we recommend that you speak with your doctor or a local genetic counselor. If you need help locating a genetic counselor in your area, the National Society of Genetic Counselors has a search feature by zip code: NSGC.

Cancer Genetic Testing


JScreen’s CancerGEN test analyzes 73 cancer-predisposition genes and is designed for individuals who are 21 and older. If there is a harmful mutation in one of these genes, it will not work properly, significantly increasing the risk for cancer. Each cancer gene on the CancerGEN test is associated with specific cancer types and varying degrees of risk. To view a complete list of genes on the CancerGEN panel, click here.

In many cases, individuals who test positive have options to reduce the chances of developing cancer, or to detect it at an early, treatable stage. Because we share genetic information with our family members, a positive result may also alert other relatives to consider testing. For those who have had a cancer diagnosis, knowing the genetic cause may help identify other cancer risks and help their doctor adjust their medical management.

Each child (son or daughter) has a 50% chance of inheriting a mutation in a cancer gene. Your genetic counselor can discuss the right time to test your children, as well as options for individuals who are planning to expand their families.

If you learn you have a mutation in a cancer gene, there are many ways to maintain your health and to impact the health of your family. Our genetic counselors will walk you through your options and will review recommendations with your health-care provider.

Options may include:

• Increased and/or more frequent cancer screening (for example: mammogram, colonoscopy, prostate exam, skin cancer screening)

• Preventative risk-reducing surgeries (for example: mastectomy, removal of colon)

• Lifestyle modifications (for example: reduced alcohol consumption)

• Options to avoid passing down mutations to your future children (for example: in-vitro fertilization with pre-implantation genetic testing, adoption)

If you test positive for a mutation, you’ll be able to inform your relatives, who may also be at-risk. Free testing for your mutation may be available for your relatives.


No. Most cancer happens by chance, but some are caused by hereditary changes in genes. For example, about 5-10% of breast cancers and about 20-25% of ovarian cancers are due to inherited genetic changes that increase the risk to develop these types of cancer. A person may have an inherited change in a cancer gene even if cancer hasn’t occurred in their family. It is important to consult with a genetic counselor if you think that you or a family member might have a hereditary cancer risk.

Many insurance carriers will cover cancer genetic testing and genetic counseling if the individual has a personal or significant family history of cancer. However, the out-of-pocket costs differ by type of insurance, regardless of history. JScreen charges a set program fee that applies to everyone, regardless of family history, or insurance coverage or deductibles. Depending on the policy holder’s benefits, the lab may file a claim with insurance for the actual cost of testing. Even if the claim is denied or insurance is not billed, your only out-of-pocket expense is the JScreen program fee. Our generous donors make this discounted rate possible.

It depends on what type of insurance you have and where you live. According to the GINA law, health insurance companies cannot change your coverage, eligibility or premiums based on the results of your genetic testing or the health conditions in your family. Please visit www.ginahelp.org for more information and exceptions to the law.

Other types of insurance, such as life, disability and long-term care, do not have restrictions about using your genetic information to set their plans; each state has its own mandates regarding the use of genetic information. Please visit the National Human Genome Research Institute website for more information on the laws in your state.


The GINA law makes it illegal for employers with 15 or more employees to use your genetic information to make decisions about hiring, firing, promotion, pay, privileges or terms. In other words, your employer may not use family health history and genetic test results in making decisions about your employment. Please be aware that GINA’s protections in employment do not extend to the Tricare military health system, the Indian Health Service or employees of the federal government. More information can be found at www.ginahelp.org.

While the CancerGEN test is geared toward people who are 21 and older, you can request testing if you are at least 18 years old. For anyone between the ages of 18 and 20, a conversation with one of our genetic counselors to review ramifications of testing at a young age will be required before we can order your test. If you are under 21 and are interested in testing with us, you can register for a kit and one of our genetic counselors will reach out to you.

While genetic testing can help clarify a person’s risk to develop certain cancers, it can also have potential emotional, social, and financial implications. For many cancer types, changes in medical care due to a positive result do not begin until age 25 or older; knowing one is positive before then may induce stress and anxiety and could be an emotional burden.

While testing is generally not recommended at this time, there are some exceptions. If you might want to get tested and you are under 21 years old, you can register for a kit and one of our genetic counselors will reach out to review the ramifications of testing before processing your order.

Should I be tested if…


Yes. We believe that genetic testing may be beneficial to individuals undergoing cancer treatment. However, since your genetic results might influence your medical management, we recommend you find the most efficient testing option before choosing JScreen. When considering where to get tested, keep in mind: cost and insurance coverage, turnaround time for results, and availability of genetic counselors who could help interpret and counsel on results. If you think you might want to get tested with us, be sure to report your health history during registration, and one of our genetic counselors will reach out to you.

Yes.If you want to get tested with us, be sure to report your health history during registration, and one of our genetic counselors will reach out to you, if necessary. Please contact a JScreen genetic counselor at [email protected] ahead of time if you have a current or past diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma or you have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

Yes. The CancerGEN testing panel includes cancer predisposition genes associated with risks for prostate, colon, pancreatic and many other types of cancer affecting men. Men can also pass on cancer gene mutations to their children.

Yes. The CancerGEN testing panel is appropriate for anyone, regardless of ethnic background.

JGift Certificates


JGifts are virtual gift certificates that can be purchased to help cover the cost of testing for someone else. The JGift contains a unique code that the recipient will use to pay for testing when he/she registers for a kit at JScreen.org. JGifts can be purchased here.

Each ReproGEN JGift costs $149 and each CancerGEN JGift costs $199. A bundle can be purchased for $299. These JGifts will cover the entire expense for recipients who provide their health insurance information when they request a kit. If the recipient does not have health insurance or chooses not to provide their health insurance information when they register, the JGift will reduce the payment by the value of the gift certificate.