About Us

About Cabling Installation & Maintenance

Our mission: Bringing practical business and technical intelligence to today's structured cabling professionals

For more than 30 years, Cabling Installation & Maintenance has provided useful, practical information to professionals responsible for the specification, design, installation and management of structured cabling systems serving enterprise, data center and other environments. These professionals are challenged to stay informed of constantly evolving standards, system-design and installation approaches, product and system capabilities, technologies, as well as applications that rely on high-performance structured cabling systems. Our editors synthesize these complex issues into multiple information products. This portfolio of information products provides concrete detail that improves the efficiency of day-to-day operations, and equips cabling professionals with the perspective that enables strategic planning for networks’ optimum long-term performance.

Throughout our annual magazine, weekly email newsletters and 24/7/365 website, Cabling Installation & Maintenance digs into the essential topics our audience focuses on.

  • Design, Installation and Testing: We explain the bottom-up design of cabling systems, from case histories of actual projects to solutions for specific problems or aspects of the design process. We also look at specific installations using a case-history approach to highlight challenging problems, solutions and unique features. Additionally, we examine evolving test-and-measurement technologies and techniques designed to address the standards-governed and practical-use performance requirements of cabling systems.
  • Technology: We evaluate product innovations and technology trends as they impact a particular product class through interviews with manufacturers, installers and users, as well as contributed articles from subject-matter experts.
  • Data Center: Cabling Installation & Maintenance takes an in-depth look at design and installation workmanship issues as well as the unique technology being deployed specifically for data centers.
  • Physical Security: Focusing on the areas in which security and IT—and the infrastructure for both—interlock and overlap, we pay specific attention to Internet Protocol’s influence over the development of security applications.
  • Standards: Tracking the activities of North American and international standards-making organizations, we provide updates on specifications that are in-progress, looking forward to how they will affect cabling-system design and installation. We also produce articles explaining the practical aspects of designing and installing cabling systems in accordance with the specifications of established standards.

Cabling Installation & Maintenance is published by Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Contact Cabling Installation & Maintenance

Editorial

Patrick McLaughlin

Serena Aburahma

Advertising and Sponsorship Sales

Peter Fretty - Vice President, Market Leader

Tim Carli - Business Development Manager

Brayden Hudspeth - Sales Development Representative

Subscriptions and Memberships

Subscribe to our newsletters and manage your subscriptions

Feedback/Problems

Send a message to our general in-box

 

My Watchlist
Indicators
Cabling Market Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

Carrier Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing: What’s the Difference?

By: Syndication Cloud

Originally Posted On: https://www.jscreen.org/blog/carrier-screening-vs-diagnostic-testing-whats-the-difference

 

 

Carrier Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing: What’s the Difference?

Understanding your genetic testing options before and during pregnancy empowers you to make informed decisions for your family’s future. Two essential types of genetic testing – carrier screening and diagnostic testing – serve different purposes in your reproductive journey. Let’s explore how these tests work and what they can tell you about your family’s health.

Understanding Carrier Testing

Carrier screening, often done prior to pregnancy, helps identify if you or your partner carry genetic changes that could affect future children. This simple blood or saliva test screens for various inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle cell disease.

Most carriers are healthy individuals with no symptoms or family history of these conditions. However, when both partners carry genetic variations in the same gene, there’s a 25% chance their child could inherit the condition. Understanding your carrier status before pregnancy allows you to explore all available options and make informed decisions about your reproductive journey.

When to Consider Carrier Screening

The ideal time for carrier screening is before pregnancy and this timing provides several advantages that: 

  • Allows time to understand your genetic risk factors thoroughly
  • Enables exploration of all available reproductive options
  • Provides opportunity for partner testing if needed
  • Enables consultation with genetic counselors to understand results
  • Allows for consideration of preimplantation genetic testing
  • Helps prepare for potential specialized prenatal care
  • Reduces time pressure for making important decisions
  • Enables financial planning for any necessary medical care
Understanding Diagnostic Testing: Getting Clear Answers During Pregnancy

Unlike carrier screening, diagnostic testing examines the genetic makeup of your developing baby during pregnancy. These tests provide definitive answers about specific genetic conditions and birth defects, helping families prepare for their child’s unique needs.

Types of Diagnostic Tests

The two main types of diagnostic tests are available during pregnancy are as follows: 

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

  • Performed between 10-13 weeks of pregnancy
  • Takes a small sample of placental tissue
  • Provides early information about chromosomal conditions
  • Results typically available within 10-14 days
  • Can detect a wide range of genetic conditions
  • Allows for earlier decision-making during pregnancy

Amniocentesis

  • Typically done between 15-20 weeks of pregnancy
  • Collects a small amount of amniotic fluid
  • Can test for chromosomal disorders, inherited genetic disorders and neural tube defects
  • Highly accurate results
  • Can also assess lung maturity later in pregnancy
Key Differences Between Testing Types

Understanding the distinctions between carrier and diagnostic testing helps you make informed choices for your family’s needs.

‍In summary:

Carrier Testing:
  • Screens parents for genetic variations
  • Usually done before pregnancy
  • Involves a simple blood or saliva sample
  • No risk to pregnancy
  • Results indicate carrier status only
  • Tests available for hundreds of conditions
  • Can be done at any time
  • Results typically available within 2-3 weeks
Diagnostic Testing:
  • Examines baby’s genetic material
  • Performed during pregnancy
  • More invasive procedure
  • Small risk of pregnancy complications
  • Provides definitive diagnosis
  • Tests for specific conditions
  • Must be done at certain gestational ages
  • Quick results for certain conditions
Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Your decision to pursue diagnostic genetic testing and/or carrier screening depends on various personal factors.

Guidance and Considerations could be as follows: 

Personal Considerations:
  • Family medical history of genetic conditions
  • Previous pregnancy experiences
  • Ethnic background and associated genetic risks
  • Maternal age
  • Personal values and preferences
  • Reproductive planning goals
  • Religious or cultural beliefs
  • Financial considerations
Healthcare Guidance:
  • Discuss options with healthcare providers
  • Understand timing requirements for different tests
  • Learn about conditions screened by each test
  • Review benefits and limitations
  • Explore insurance coverage and costs
  • Plan follow-up care based on results
  • Consider genetic counseling services
  • Evaluate support resources available
The Impact of Test Results

Understanding what your test results mean helps you plan effectively for your family’s future.

The differences between screening vs. testing are as follows: 

Carrier Screening Results:
  • Negative results may provide reassurance
  • Positive results may warrant partner testing
  • Both partners’ positive results indicate increased risk to offspring
  • Results help inform future pregnancy planning
  • May influence timing of pregnancy
  • Could affect reproductive choices
  • Might suggest need for additional family testing
  • Helps prepare for potential health needs of an affected child
Diagnostic Testing Results:
  • Can confirm or rule out specific conditions
  • Allow for early intervention when needed
  • Help prepare for specialized care
  • Guide pregnancy management decisions
  • May influence delivery planning
  • Enable advance coordination with specialists
  • Help families prepare emotionally and practically
  • Provide time to arrange support services
Supporting Your Journey

Remember that genetic testing is a personal choice that depends on your unique circumstances and values. Whether you choose carrier screening before pregnancy, diagnostic testing during pregnancy, or both, these tools provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your family’s future.

Each family’s situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to genetic testing. Work with your healthcare providers to create a personalized plan that aligns with your needs and values.

They can help you understand:

  • Which tests are most appropriate for your situation
  • When to schedule different types of testing
  • How to prepare for testing procedures
  • What support resources are available
  • How to interpret and act on results
  • Next steps based on your specific results

If you’re considering starting or expanding your family, consider discussing genetic testing options with your healthcare provider, or the Genetic Counselors at jscreen. They can help you understand which tests might be right for you and guide you through the decision-making process.

More News

View More
Tesla: 2 Reasons to Love Musk's $1B Buy, 1 Reason to Be Bearish
Via MarketBeat
Tickers TSLA
Azure Leads While AI Excitement Fuels Microsoft Stock
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence Economy
Tickers MSFT
Darden Restaurants: A Textbook Buy-the-Dip Opportunity
Via MarketBeat
Tickers DRI
Top 125 Family Businesses People Most Want to Work for in the U.S. [2025 Survey]
Via MarketBeat
Tickers AAPL
NIO's New Dawn: Why Wall Street's Bullish Turn Signals a Comeback
Via MarketBeat
Topics Electric Vehicles
Tickers NIO TSLA UBS
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.