Pre-Marriage 1

The Pre-Marriage 1 profile is a comprehensive premarital screening panel designed for couples planning to marry or start a family together. It combines blood group and Genotype Testing with screening for key bloodborne infections and metabolic markers, giving both partners a clear picture of their compatibility and shared health risks before they embark on married life.

The panel uses a simple blood sample, analysed by standard haematological, serological and molecular techniques including haemoglobin electrophoresis for genotype determination and immunoassay-based screening for infectious diseases.

Blood Group & Type
- ABO blood group: determines your ABO type (A, B, AB or O)
- Rh (D) factor: identifies whether you are Rh positive or Rh negative, which is important for pregnancy and transfusion compatibility

Haemoglobin Electrophoresis (Genotype)
- Sickle cell screening: detects the presence of haemoglobin S (HbS), the variant responsible for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease
- Beta thalassaemia screening: identifies haemoglobin variants associated with beta thalassaemia trait or disease
- Genotype result: classifies your haemoglobin genotype (e.g. AA, AS, SS, AC) to assess compatibility with your partner

Blood Sugar
- HbA1c: reflects average blood glucose over the previous two to three months, screening for prediabetes and diabetes

HIV Screening
- HIV antibody (HIV Ab): detects antibodies produced in response to HIV infection
- HIV antigen (HIV Ag): detects p24 antigen, allowing earlier detection of acute infection

Hepatitis B & C Screening
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): indicates current hepatitis B infection
- Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb): indicates past or current hepatitis B infection
- Hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab): screens for exposure to hepatitis C virus

Syphilis Screening
- Syphilis antibody (anti-treponemal): screens for exposure to Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis

Why it matters
Marriage brings shared decisions about family planning, and knowing your blood group, genotype and infection status helps couples make informed choices. Genotype compatibility is particularly important in regions where sickle cell and thalassaemia traits are common, as certain combinations carry a risk of passing serious blood disorders to children. Early detection of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis allows timely treatment and reduces the risk of transmission between partners or from mother to child during pregnancy. HbA1c provides an early warning of diabetes, supporting long-term metabolic health. Together, these results give couples a solid foundation for a healthy future together.