JEDDAH — Health experts and physicians have warned 1,855 prospective couples in Jeddah against pursuing their decision to go ahead with marriage due to genetic risks so far this year.
Laboratory and blood bank expert Dr. Mohammad Al-Masri said genetic compatibility tests were carried out on 43,454 blood samples in laboratories in Jeddah this year.
“The labs receive 250 test samples a day; 200 of the samples are analyzed at the regional lab while 50 samples are analyzed at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Al-Musaidiah. These are the only two laboratories running genetic compatibility assessments in Jeddah,” said Al-Masri.
He said Jeddah Health Affairs is planning to open two new laboratories east and north of Jeddah.
“The medical assessments for engaged couples include genetic compatibility and detection for viral diseases. If the results showed risks of producing a disabled child, then the couple are asked to meet at consultant who will explain to them the risks involved in pursuing their marriage plans,” said Al-Masri.
He added there is a high percentage of consanguineous marriages, which is one of the main factors of genetic incompatibility.
“Society is becoming more and more aware about health risks and many people refrain from the marriage after learning of their genetic incompatibility. The Ministry of Justice does not process any marriage contract without the medical assessment,” said Al-Masri.
He said the laboratories use the latest technology in genetic assessments and disease detection.
“We do face some obstacles, though. Many of the couples come to us only days before their wedding date and demand that we give them the results fast. This puts a lot of pressure on us because we receive more than 250 samples to test each day,” said Al-Masri.
He also said the Ministry of Health is establishing a central blood bank, which will help all the laboratories in the city.
“Having a central blood bank will enhance the accuracy of the assessment results and will also relieve labs from the responsibility of storing blood samples. I expect the bank to open within six months fully equipped,” said Al-Masri.
