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Next generation sequencing has enabled fast and relatively inexpensive expanded carrier screening (ECS) that can inform couples' reproductive decisions before conception and during pregnancy. We previously showed that a couple-based approach to ECS for autosomal recessive (AR) conditions was acceptable and feasible for both health care professionals and the non-pregnant target population in the Netherlands. This paper describes the acceptance of this free test-offer of preconception ECS for 50 severe conditions, the characteristics of test-offer acceptors and decliners, their views on couple-based ECS and reasons for accepting or declining the test-offer. We used a survey that included self-rated health, intention to accept the test-offer, barriers to test-participation and arguments for and against test-participation. Fifteen percent of the expected target population-couples potentially planning a pregnancy-attended pre-test counselling and 90% of these couples proceeded with testing. Test-offer acceptors and decliners differed in their reproductive characteristics (e.g. how soon they wanted to conceive), educational level and stated barriers to test-participation. Sparing a child a life with a severe genetic condition was the most important reason to accept ECS. The most important reason for declining was that the test-result would not affect participants' reproductive decisions. Our results demonstrate that previously uninformed couples of reproductive age, albeit a selective part, were interested in and chose to have couple-based ECS. Alleviating practical barriers, which prevented some interested couples from participating, is recommended before nationwide implementation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/s41431-019-0516-0

Type

Journal article

Journal

European journal of human genetics : EJHG

Publication Date

02/2020

Volume

28

Pages

182 - 192

Addresses

Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. j.schuurmans@umcg.nl.

Keywords

Humans, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Preconception Care, Adult, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Netherlands, Female, Male, General Practice, Genetic Carrier Screening