Singapore’s KKH launches expanded screening programme for at-risk couples

The pilot initiative will run until 2027.

Singapore’s KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), in partnership with Temasek Foundation, has launched an expanded screening programme to detect carriers of severe recessive genetic disorders in couples, which may be passed to their offspring.

The Temasek Foundation PREDICT (PaREnthood genetic DIsease Carrier Test) programme will run for free until 2027 for couples with at least one partner who is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident.

Screening can be done before or during pregnancy via a blood test or cheek swab. If couples are identified as carriers, they will receive counselling to understand the results and explore family planning options.

“Studies have found that most genetic test panels miss over 25% of severe recessive disorders common amongst Asians,” said Saumya Jamuar, senior consultant, Genetics Service, KKH.

“This means that many couples in Singapore could remain unaware of their increased risks of passing on severe genetic conditions to the next generation,” Jamuar added.

Meanwhile, the hospital said that the programme is designed to detect over 80 severe recessive genetic disorders common in the Asian population.