Question 1

Can two healthy people carry genetic risk?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A healthy person can silently carry a variant that becomes relevant only when both partners carry a change in the same gene.

Question 2

Does the test guarantee a healthy child?

Accepted Answer

No test guarantees that. The goal is deeper information and support for informed decisions before family planning.

Question 3

What sequencing technology does NAWA use?

Accepted Answer

Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) on a next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform, reading around 20,000 protein-coding genes. Results are reviewed by three specialist physicians.

Question 4

Is Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) available?

Accepted Answer

Yes — WGS is available on request as a separately priced option covering non-coding and structural regions beyond the exome. Contact NAWA for a quote.

Question 5

Is the blood sample painful?

Accepted Answer

No. A licensed phlebotomist takes a simple blood sample from the inner side of the elbow — quick and clinically standard. No fasting required.

Question 6

Are our results confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Personal, health, and genetic data are handled under Saudi PDPL with strict access controls, and reports are shared only with the couple.

Question 7

How common are recessive genetic conditions among Saudi couples?

Accepted Answer

Consanguinity and founder effects mean carrier rates for conditions like sickle cell, beta-thalassemia, SMA, and G6PD deficiency are higher in Saudi Arabia than global averages. Saudi Ministry of Health premarital screening data and published KFSHRC cohorts consistently show measurable rates of at-risk couples for one or more recessive conditions.

Question 8

What does 'autosomal recessive' actually mean for us?

Accepted Answer

An autosomal recessive condition needs two altered copies of a gene — one from each parent — to appear. If only one partner is a carrier, children can inherit carrier status but cannot develop the disease from you. Risk arises when both partners carry a variant in the same gene.

Question 9

If we're both carriers, what are the real numbers each pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

For a classic autosomal recessive condition where both partners are carriers, each pregnancy independently carries a 25% chance the child is affected, a 50% chance the child is a carrier without the disease, and a 25% chance the child inherits neither variant. Numbers do not accumulate across pregnancies.

Question 10

Is Whole Exome Sequencing enough, or do we need Whole Genome Sequencing?

Accepted Answer

For premarital carrier screening, WES covers approximately 20,000 protein-coding genes where the vast majority of known disease-causing variants sit — which is why it is the clinical standard for couple compatibility. WGS additionally reads non-coding and structural regions and is recommended when there is a specific clinical indication not covered by the exome.

Question 11

What does an X-linked condition mean for our sons versus our daughters?

Accepted Answer

For an X-linked recessive condition (like G6PD deficiency or hemophilia) where the mother is a carrier and the father is unaffected, each son has a 50% chance of being affected, and each daughter has a 50% chance of being a carrier like her mother. Sons cannot pass X-linked conditions to their sons.

Common questions

Comprehensive genetic test

Technology & sequencing

Booking & sample collection

Results & counseling

Privacy & confidentiality

The science, in plain language

Didn't find your answer?

Common questions

Comprehensive genetic test

Can two healthy people still have genetic risk?

Does this test guarantee a healthy child?

Technology & sequencing

What sequencing technology does NAWA use?

Do you offer Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)?

Booking & sample collection

Is the process complicated?

What kind of sample is needed?

Results & counseling

What if we share a risk?

Why does the test take this long?

If we're compatible, do I need to test — and pay — again with a future partner?