Premarital Tests
(Procedures and Tests)
This guidewill help you understandpremaritalscreeningand how to prepare (for)it.
What is premarital screening?
Premarital screening is a medical assessment conducted for couples planning to get married. It aims to detect certain hereditary blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, as well as infectious diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.
- The goal of this screening is to provide medical counseling to both partners regarding the potential transmission of these conditions to each other or to their future children. It also offers them options and alternatives to help plan for a healthy family.
- Why is premarital screening important?
- Premarital screening plays a key role in public health prevention by:
Reducing the spread of genetic blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) and infectious diseases(e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS).
Raising awareness and educating couples on the concept of healthy marriage, both physically and psychologically.
Alleviating the burden on healthcare systems and medical providers, thereby reducing financial pressure on families and society as a whole.
When should premarital screening be done?
- Premarital screening is typically conducted at least three months before the wedding date. This allows sufficient time to receive results and take necessary steps if any health issues are identified.
- The premarital health certificate is valid for a specific duration depending on the country’s regulations. In some cases, only the infectious disease tests may need to be repeated if the screening is performed again later.
- What does the premarital screening include?
- Premarital screeningusually includes,the following:.
- Routine tests, such as:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Genetic blood disorder screening, such as:
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
How to prepare for premarital screening?
Fasting: Some tests may require fasting, while others do not. Make sure to follow the instructions provided.
- Familiarize yourself with the tests: Most screenings involve blood tests for hereditary and infectious diseases, such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hepatitis, and HIV.
- Choose a certified medical center: It is recommended to perform the screening at Ministry of Health-approved centers to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the procedures based on the compatibility test results?
- If the result is compatible, a compatibility certificate is issued to both parties.
- If the result is not compatible, one or both parties are referred to a counseling clinic to receive necessary guidance and advice.
- What are the consequences of marriage when premarital test results are incompatible?
- The consequences of marriage in case of incompatible premarital test results include:
- Birth of children suffering from genetic diseases such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia.
- Increased likelihood of disabilities or congenital malformations.
- High medical costs for treating chronic diseases.
- Psychological stress and anxiety affecting the couple.
