Clinical significance of carrier screening for autosomal recessive genes

LI Xue, LIU Cai-xia

Chinese Journal of Practical Gynecology and Obstetrics ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (2) : 142-144.

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Chinese Journal of Practical Gynecology and Obstetrics ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (2) : 142-144. DOI: 10.19538/j.fk2026020104

Clinical significance of carrier screening for autosomal recessive genes

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Abstract

With the increasing accessibility and decreasing cost of high-throughput sequencing,expanded carrier screening (ECS) for autosomal recessive genes is evolving from a targeted test based on ethnicity or family history into a universal preventive medicine tool for the general preconception and prenatal population. This article,grounded in obstetric clinical practice,aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the core value of this technology in contemporary perinatal medicine. The author believes that its significance extends far beyond mere "testing." It fundamentally reshapes the defense system against severe monogenic disorders,enabling a paradigm shift from passive diagnosis to active prevention,and from isolated case management to systematic healthcare intervention. This article will share personal insights and practical experience,focusing on three core values of its clinical application and the key decisions and challenges in its implementation pathway.

Key words

carrier screening / expanded carrier screening / genetic counseling / primary prevention of birth defects / prenatal management

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LI Xue , LIU Cai-xia. Clinical significance of carrier screening for autosomal recessive genes[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2026, 42(2): 142-144 https://doi.org/10.19538/j.fk2026020104

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Footnotes

利益冲突 所有作者均声明不存在利益冲突

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program(2023YFC2705903)
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