Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca shared information about the screenings initiated for couples before marriage in order to prevent SMA.
He stated:
“The screening program, which aims that couples undergo carrier testing before marriage in order to prevent SMA disease, has been implemented in 81 provinces as of December 27, 2021. 1 million 834 people were screened from the beginning of the program until September 4, 2023.
As a result of the analysis of the samples taken, the data obtained for 22 thousand 573 people who were identified as "Suspicious SMA Carrier" showed the importance of the program in terms of early diagnosis and preventing the spread of SMA disease.
SMA is a genetic disease that can be seen in one out of every 50 people in society. When both parents are carriers, the risk of disease for the baby increases up to 25%. Therefore, detecting SMA carrier status before marriage is of great importance in reducing the potential risk.
SMA screening tests are performed free of charge by the Ministry of Health during the pre-marriage period and are carried out by family physicians. In addition, screening tests are applied to couples who request them during pregnancy.
Scanning results are obtained within 2 weeks and the results can be easily accessed through the e-Pulse application.
Additionally, as part of the program, when couples are determined to be carriers, genetic counseling is offered so that they can have a healthy child. The counseling includes such options as prenatal diagnostic testing or diagnostic testing before in vitro fertilization.
If only one of a couple is suspected to be a carrier, they are referred to a Medical Genetics Specialist for a more detailed examination and free of charge counseling, in case the other is a silent carrier.
SMA is a progressive motor neuron disease that causes serious health problems if left untreated. Therefore, the premarital SMA Screening Program plays a critical role in early diagnosis and prevention.”
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