Information for Healthcare Providers

Comprehensive and Affordable Jewish Genetic Screening

JScreen is a national, nonprofit service of Emory University Department of Human Genetics.

Wellness Exam Screening for Women with Jewish ancestry

You Can Prevent Jewish Genetic Diseases

Obstetrician-Gynecologists are ideally positioned to help prevent genetic disease. Because autosomal recessive diseases show no symptoms in carriers and rarely show in family history, genetic testing is the only option. All women with Jewish ancestry who are of reproductive age should be offered genetic testing.

In addition, screening is important for both Jewish and interfaith couples, as “Jewish” genetic disease genes are also present in the non-Jewish population. For all of these couples, consider screening the female member first and, if positive, her partner. If the couple is already pregnant, both members should be screened at the same time.

Facts & Risks

  • 1 in 3 women of Jewish ancestry carries at least one Jewish genetic disease. “Jewish ancestry” means any patient with one or more Jewish parents or grandparents. While being a carrier is common, carriers do not show symptoms. Screening is the only reliable way to determine if an individual is a carrier and which disease is carried.
  • 80% of babies with genetic diseases are born to parents with no known family history of that disease. Family history is not a reliable indicator.
  • Most women fail to screen prior to pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasizes that screening should be done preconception.
  • JScreen facilitates and makes genetic screening affordable for its participants.

Results Analyzed

Detection rate is the rate at which our test can identify carriers. Our average detection rate is 94%. Many diseases have detection rates of up to 99%. In a small percentage of cases, a follow-up blood enzyme will be needed for clarification of Tay Sachs disease carrier status. No genetic test is 100% accurate. Results take three to four weeks.

See Facts & Test Analysis