Back to glossary

Fertility Glossary

Carrier screening

Testing prospective parents for recessive genetic conditions.

Genetics

Carrier screening looks for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and haemoglobin disorders, plus panels tailored to family or ancestral background. Being a carrier usually has no effect on your own health but matters if both partners carry variants in the same gene. Donor sperm and eggs are screened, and matching donor and recipient carrier status is part of Canadian clinic practice.

Also known as: expanded carrier screening, genetic carrier test

Sources

  • Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) patient information

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Explore in-depth guides

Learn more with Antega's fertility guides and articles.