Premarital Tests: What They Include and Why They Matter

Introduction

Premarital screening is an important preventive step aimed at reassuring future spouses about their health and detecting early any genetic or infectious diseases that could pass between them or to their children. It is a mandatory test in Saudi Arabia as part of the Healthy Marriage Program. In this article we explain what these tests include and their importance for the future family.

What Is the Goal of Premarital Screening?

The main goal is prevention and awareness, not preventing marriage.

Main Goals

• Detecting hereditary blood diseases such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.
• Identifying certain infectious diseases that can be transmitted.
• Providing medical counseling to the couple about the likelihood of disease transmission.
• Helping the couple make a fully informed decision.

What Do Premarital Tests Include?

Hereditary Blood Disease Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) to assess blood cells.
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis to detect thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.

Infectious Disease Tests

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

How Are the Results Interpreted?

The Healthy Marriage Program results are classified into compatibility levels.

Compatibility Levels

• Full compatibility: no shared risk factors.
• Partial compatibility: a possibility of transmitting a genetic disease, with counseling provided.
• The program offers precise medical guidance in all cases.

Values and standards vary from one lab to another, and results and counseling should be provided by a qualified specialist.

When Is the Test Done?

The Right Timing

• It is preferable to do it well before signing the marriage contract.
• It gives the couple time to make appropriate decisions.
• It allows the opportunity to complete any additional tests if needed.

Importance of the Test for the Family

• Protecting children from serious genetic diseases.
• Preventing infection transmission between spouses.
• Promoting health awareness and proper family planning.
• Peace of mind and confidence at the start of married life.

Conclusion

Premarital screening is not just a routine procedure but a preventive step that protects the health of the couple and their children and establishes a healthy family life. Early detection of genetic and infectious diseases enables conscious and responsible decisions.

Book your premarital screening at RAIDX Laboratories and start your married life with confidence and peace of mind.