“First, we give an interactive educational session to all students about Jewish genetic disorders, with particular focus on the severe recessive disorders and the importance of carrier screening in their prevention. We encourage the students to discuss the option of screening with their parents before registration for the screening, which will take place a week later at the school.”
Ms Lewis added that among those with Ashkenazi ancestry, one-in-five "is a carrier of at least one of the disorders we screen for.
“All communities have equal need for carrier screening and there needs to be equality in availability and accessibility.”
Participants provide a saliva sample which is sent off to the NHS genetics lab at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Testing for pupils is free. Adults can arrange a test at a subsidised cost of £190.
Results of the test are conveyed by email in around two months - or in three weeks or under in the case of a pregnant woman. Counselling is available for those found to be carriers.
