This method allows an earlier test decision by the mother and a safer pregnancy termination, if necessary. Since 1971 these techniques have been coupled with intensive educational campaigns among Jewish communities to provide voluntary mass screening of adults in an effort to identify carriers. Major sources of referral for carrier detection testing are the physician, i.e. family doctor, obstetrician, or pediatrician, and rabbi. The community screening approach depends on thorough education and seeks to alert the most vulnerable population to the threat of the disease. The medical community, Jewish organizations and rabbis must be informed and supportive of the program.
Testing is aimed at couples of child-bearing age.
Very often a couple who has completed their family will want to know if any of their children could be carriers. If such a couple is tested and learns that neither the husband or the wife is a carrier, they can assure all their children that they are not carriers. However, should one or both be found to be carriers, they know it will be imperative for their children and other family members to be tested. This is best done when the children reach child-bearing age. Back to Top Quality Control Program T he test analysis requires laboratories to be knowledgeable in the specific laboratory procedures and experienced in the interpretation of test results.