Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42071123›Full record

ArticleJournal of assisted reproduction and genetics2026

Integrating preconception carrier screening into public health: lessons learned from a pilot implementation study.

Aina Marsal-Olivan, Clara Serra-Juhe, Alicia Artigas-Baleri, Sara Bernal, Ivon Cusco, Anna Abulí, Carlos Brotons, Benjamín Rodríguez-Santiago, Jordi Surralles

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Aina Marsal-OlivanInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain.
Clara Serra-JuheInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain.
Alicia Artigas-BaleriInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain.
Sara BernalInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain.
Ivon CuscoInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain.
Anna AbulíInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain.
Carlos BrotonsInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain.
Benjamín Rodríguez-SantiagoInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain. BRodriguezS@santpau.cat.
Jordi SurrallesInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau, IR SANT PAU, Barcelona, Spain. JSurralles@santpau.cat.

Funding

Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca 2022FI_B_00262
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeCarrier screening identifies individuals at risk of transmitting autosomal recessive or X-linked recessive conditions, supporting informed reproductive decisions. Despite international recommendations for universal carrier screening, integration into public healthcare systems remains limited. This study evaluated the feasibility of implementing a carrier screening program in Spain's public health system.

methodsNon-pregnant women aged 18 to 38 with reproductive intent were recruited through text messages sent from a primary care center, along with their partners. A sequential screening approach was used: women underwent a 351-gene massively parallel sequencing panel and complementary tests, while male partners were tested only if their partner carried autosomal recessive variants. Specific genetic counselling was provided, and emotional responses were assessed through pre- and post-test questionnaires.

resultsOf 518 candidates contacted, 400 (77%) responded positively and 152 couples (50.8% of those eligible) enrolled. Among 218 individuals screened, 62% (135) carried at least one pathogenic variant. Six carrier couples (4%) were identified as being at reproductive risk of non-syndromic hearing loss (GJB2, 2 couples), cystic fibrosis (CFTR), Stargardt disease and retinitis pigmentosa (ABCA4), Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (DHCR7), and Fabry disease (GLA). Of four couples followed post-disclosure, 75% opted for in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing or prenatal diagnosis. Prevention of severe genetic conditions was the most frequently reported motivation for participation.

conclusionsThis study proves the feasibility and clinical utility of carrier screening within a public healthcare system. Our findings demonstrate high participation rates, clinical relevance through the identification of 4% of carrier couples, and strong motivation among participants to prevent the transmission of severe genetic conditions.

Indexed as

Genetic Carrier ScreeningPreconception CarePublic HealthAdolescentAdultFemaleGenetic CounselingGenetic TestingHeterozygoteHumansMalePilot ProjectsPregnancySpainYoung AdultCarrier screeningMassively parallel sequencingPreconception screeningPublic health implementationReproductive decision-making

Identifiers

PMID42071123
PMCPMC13319850

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.