When spitting counts | JScreen Genetic Screening Giveaway
During the first trimester of every one of my pregnancies, I had a series of blood tests and genetic tests done. It was a little puzzling to me as the kiddos have the same parents, but “they” said they were required. Fortunately, nothing was ever detected in any of those test, or even any suspicions. Yet, every time we had one, I held my breath waiting for the results.
This post is brought to you by J Screen Genetic Testing. All opinions are my own.
Many of the tests that were done were for genetic conditions passed down from parents that are likely unaffected carriers of diseases/disorders. Meaning, most of the time, you won’t know you are a carrier until you have a child with a partner/spouse that is also a carrier. The thing is, you find out about this after you are pregnant.
With JScreen, you can find out before you are pregnant if you are a carrier. And, it’s just four steps.
- request a kit and wait for it to arrive
- spit in the tube (aka take the saliva test)
- send it to the lab
- get the results via an email link in about a week
JScreen was originally started for screening people of Jewish ancestry for 19 genetic diseases found most commonly in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. However, they have expanded to include an 80+ disease panel for those of non-Jewish ancestry.
Everyone is at risk for being a carrier of a genetic disease. JScreen can help. Individuals with no Jewish ancestry, or both Jewish and non-Jewish ancestry, are encouraged to pursue the 80+-disease Expanded Panel. The truth is, everyone is a carrier for genetic alterations regardless of their ethnic background. It is a common misconception that individuals without Jewish ancestry are not at risk to be carriers for the 19 genetic diseases found most commonly in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Although occurrences are less frequent outside of the Jewish population, the 19 diseases are found in other ethnicities as well. In addition to the 19 Jewish genetic diseases, there are many other genetic diseases that are commonly found in the general population.
JScreen is offering one reader a chance to have their own genetic screening done free of charge. They will ask that the winner (must be over 18yrs old) provide insurance information on their registration page to ensure there aren’t any out-of-pocket costs for them, but no payment directly from the winner will be collected. The winner will need to go to their website, to watch a brief educational video on the test.
I think this is a FANTASTIC service. I worked at the Epstein School for many years, so I know how important this can be for a family of any ethnicity. I wonder what it would say about me, or my husband? I love genetics and biological science, so bring it on!
I learned JScreen genetic testing includes a panel of 40 diseases that are common in the Ashkenazi, Sephardic, or Mizrahi Jewish populations. There is also a panel of over 80 diseases that includes the 40 Jewish genetic diseases and others that are common in the general population. Most of the diseases are inherited in a recessive pattern, meaning that a child can only have the condition if both parents carry the non-working gene for that condition. People who are carriers do not have symptoms because they only have one copy of the non-working gene. Each child of two carrier parents has a 25% chance of inheriting two copies of the non-working gene and having the condition.
I like the LimoStudio-Photography Photo.
You can find out what disease you carry and don’t know you have.
I would like the SOL REPUBLIC RELAYS in-ear headphones.
I learned that they have a 1 in 500 chance of having bloom syndrome. There are a list of other diseases, too.
I like the stitchfix on your list.
Visited and learned 80% of babies with genetic diseases are born to parents with no known family history of that disease. In many instances, the parents are both healthy “carriers” of the same disease gene
Visited your gift guide and love Kindle Paperwhite, 6″ High-Resolution Display (212 ppi) with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi
I learned what Usher 3 Syndrome is.
The Leap Pad 3 may also be on my list!
Very cool! I was dreading going to a lab and getting poked with a needle, but I found out that this is just a simple spit test that I can do from home. Hope I win the contest!
I am done having babies. However, my sister is getting ready to start thinking about it in the near future. I love that JScreen is such a great resource for couples starting their families.
Without a doubt- I would love love love the Julia Child Clock! It is adorable!
I’m so glad I took this test. It changed my procreation outlook for sure!
I think it is fascinating that I can find out if I’m a carrier for a disease that can be passed on. The screening kit makes it so easy!
I learned that they can scan for 80 diseases
I think the StitchFix would make a nice gift