KKH Launches Free Expanded Genetic Screening For Couples

Starting a family is one of the most exciting and overwhelming journeys you’ll ever embark on. But when it comes to family planning, there’s a lot you can’t exactly plan for. For example, when you’ll conceive, your baby’s genetic makeup, and how your pregnancy goes.

What if there was a way to gain deeper insight into your genetic health before your baby arrives?

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has launched the Temasek Foundation PREDICT (PaREnthood Genetic Disease Carrier Test) Programme, the first of its kind in Asia designed specifically for couples planning to conceive or who are already expecting. This screening helps identify whether you or your partner carry genes for over 80 severe recessive genetic disorders common among Asians.

Why does this matter?

Imagine both you and your partner are carriers of a serious genetic disorder, but you have no idea. You’re perfectly healthy, and there are no visible signs to suggest anything might be amiss. But if both of you pass the same gene to your baby, your child could develop a serious condition that affects their health, development, or lifespan. 

That’s exactly what this new screening is designed to prevent. According to associate professor Saumya Jamuar, senior consultant of Genetics Service at KKH, many of the traditional genetic tests currently available miss up to 25 per cent of the genetic disorders that are more common among Asians. That means couples could unknowingly be at risk of passing down a condition to their child.

“This programme allows couples to make informed decisions about managing their current or future pregnancies, with knowledge they wouldn’t have had otherwise,” he explains.

What exactly does the screening test for?

The PREDICT Programme covers a wide range of conditions that can have serious consequences for your child, like thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy, and certain metabolic disorders. These aren’t just rare conditions with a low impact – many of these disorders can significantly affect a child’s quality of life, requiring lifelong medical care and coming with hefty treatment costs. 

For example, managing a condition like spinal muscular atrophy can cost up to SGD 800,000 per year. Knowing your risks ahead of time can help you plan better for the future.

Free screening for Singapore couples from 2024 to 2027

From 2024 to 2027, KKH, in partnership with Temasek Foundation, is offering the tests to about 40,000 couples for free. It’s a voluntary screening, available to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and can be done before or during pregnancy. 

Mr Kee Kirk Chuen, head of Health & Well-being at Temasek Foundation, shares: “It’s not about making decisions for couples, but giving them more options. Parenthood can be tough, and we want to give couples the tools to plan for a future that aligns with their hopes for their family.”

How does the screening work?

It’s simple. The screening is done through a blood test or cheek swab. If both partners are found to be carriers of the same genetic disorder, you’ll be offered genetic counseling to help you understand the risks and explore your options. This kind of knowledge can make all the difference in how you approach family planning.

The disorders included in the panel, like thalassemia and spinal muscular atrophy, are severe, often resulting in shortened lifespans or significant intellectual or physical disabilities. But with early knowledge, you can make more informed decisions about your family’s future.

How can you get started?

Couples can be referred to the programme during obstetric visits at KKH, but you can also self-refer. If you’re interested in getting screened, email carrierscreening@singhealth.com.sg or contact them via WhatsApp at 6394 3998.