American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) Summary

In more general terms, the ACOG guidelines state:

Information about genetic carrier screening should ideally be offered and performed during the preconception period. Regardless, information should be provided to every pregnant woman.
An individual may decline any or all screening.
If time constraints exist regarding prenatal diagnostic testing, both the patient and her partner should be concurrently screened. Otherwise, if an individual is found to be a carrier for a condition, her or his partner should be offered screening.
If the couple is determined to be a ‘carrier couple’, they should be offered genetic counseling to review all reproductive options.
Prenatal carrier screening does not replace newborn screening.
Family history, including ethnic background, for both the woman and her partner is important to determine the most appropriate testing.
As relatives are at-risk to carry the same condition of an identified individual, they should be encouraged to share this information.
Carrier screening should only occur once in a person’s lifetime and be documented in an individual’s chart. A re-screen should be undertaken only with the guidance of a genetics professional.
A patient may request and obtain genetic carrier screening for any particular condition with the appropriate risks, benefits, and limitations of screening reviewed.