Premarital Screening and counseling

• Premarital testing decreases congenital anomalies and can prevent common inherited blood disorders. such as thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia.

• It decreases and prevents the transmission of some sexually transmitted diseases.

• It reduces mother-to-child transmissions of some infectious diseases that might lead to congenital anomalies or mental retardation, and sometimes death.

• It alleviates anxiety, especially if there is a family history of certain genetic diseases or marriage between relatives

• It decreases the financial, physical and psychological burden on families through proper diagnosis and counselling

The premarital screening and counselling services are provided at 25 healthcare centres in 6 emirates through licensed facilitates by the Emirates Health Services (EHS).

• A copy of your passport OR identity card

• Three coloured passport-size photos showing your entire face

• The presence of a parent is a must if you are below 18 years old

• Review of medical and family history for genetic diseases

• Relevant blood tests

• Specialist consultation as needed

• Necessary vaccinations, such as Rubella and Hepatitis B, provided to susceptible individuals

• Health education and guidance on healthy pregnancy

One premarital screening report will be issued to each individual. The report is valid for 3 months and will only be accepted for the mentioned partners.

Apart from attending the premarital screening at the clinic, no other special preparations are needed. Both partners must visit the same health centre to collect their premarital screening reports, and the doctor will meet with each person separately.

Provided permission is granted from the person with the abnormal result, both partners will meet with a doctor who will provide further counseling and clarification on the screening results. The doctor will explain the situation, answer questions, address any fears, and suggest suitable options so that both partners can reach an informed decision. All information is treated as highly confidential.

The premarital screening tests are for advisory purposes only. Should an abnormality be detected, you and your partner will both meet with a doctor who will provide further counselling and clarification on your screening results. The doctor will explain the situation, answer your questions, address any fears, and suggest suitable options so that you can reach an informed decision. If you and your partner are still willing to get married, you will need to sign a consent form and then the premarital report will be issued. However, the marriage decision will be referred to a judicial department in the UAE.