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YES! Preconception carrier screening is recommended for Jewish individuals of all backgrounds, not just for Ashkenazis. This includes individuals of Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish descents, whose ancestors populated many diverse countries in Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East following dispersion from Israel in ancient times.* Genetic mutations in Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews are highly

May 28, 2020
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The simplest answer to this question is that there is no magic number. We used to offer limited testing for specific diseases based on a person’s ethnicity. However, we have learned that this can be problematic—many people do not know their precise ethnic origins, and many diseases can be found in multiple ethnicities. Given this,

May 28, 2020
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There are several options to reduce your chance of developing cancer, or to catch it early, if you are BRCA positive. Options differ for men and women, depending on their risk for certain cancers:   The good news is that once we know a person is at increased risk for cancer development, we can assemble

May 28, 2020
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Both JScreen and 23andMe offer carrier screening – tests to identify parents who are at risk to have a child with a genetic condition – but the screening differs in several ways (see table below). JScreen’s carrier screening is more comprehensive and includes genetic counseling, so patients can understand their results. Carrier screening offered by

May 18, 2020
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A person should consult with a genetic counselor if there are questions about his/her genetic health related to pregnancy, cancer, or other conditions. Here are examples of people who may benefit from genetic counseling: Someone who is thinking of becoming pregnant and has questions about genetic risks to their children Someone who receives test results

May 18, 2020
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JScreen’s goal is to provide information. Our genetic counselors do not make recommendations for carrier couples. Instead, they discuss the genetic condition of concern, and explain available reproductive options to the carrier couple. These options may include: In-vitro fertilization (IVF) with pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) Using donor sperm/egg from a non-carrier Taking a chance, with

May 18, 2020
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The DNA in our blood is the same as the DNA in our saliva. For convenience, the JScreen test is usually done on saliva, and is just as accurate as testing on DNA from blood. The JScreen test uses next generation sequencing (NGS) technology, ensuring very high carrier detection rates for most of the diseases

May 18, 2020
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In most cases, no. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a federal law that protects individuals from genetic discrimination in health insurance and in most places of employment. Under this law, it is illegal for health insurance companies to increase premiums, alter coverage, or deny coverage based on genetic testing results. Some members of

May 18, 2020
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