Sample type needed

Blood, Urine, Swabs

Incubation period 

Test dependent

Who is this test suitable for?

Men and Women

Results time 

Test dependent but generally within 1-5 days from when your sample is received in the lab

Treatment

Most infections and disorders can be treated effectively

Where can I get tested?

All Better2Know centres

What is Premarital Testing?

Premarital testing is a series of tests done on both men and women if they are planning to get married. The reason for doing these tests is to ensure that neither the man or the woman is carrying any infection, illness or genetic anomaly that would put either their partner or any yet unborn child at risk. Premarital tests offer an important overview of the health of each partner and the results of this testing can help newly married couples enter into their relationship confident there will be no undesirable consequences.

Premarital tests will provide couples with information and education on what infections to be aware of and what genetic traits can affect the health of any child they might have. Premarital testing will also give important general health information to the couple including guidance on diet, exercise, weight management, cardiovascular health and reproductive health.

Did you know? …

Hemophilia affects more men than it does women. Although the condition is generally passed from parents to children, around 30% of all cases of hemophilia occur due to a spontaneous genetic mutation. .

Premarital tests can include several different tests but should in the first instance include tests for various infectious diseases including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis. In addition to these tests, it is sensible to also perform a full blood count, and do a blood typing test to check if the mother is Rh negative. This test is particularly important as Rh negative women can experience difficulties carrying a child to term without specialised treatment.

Finally, premarital testing should also include tests for certain haemoglobin variants to rule out Thalassemia, a condition commonly found across the Middle East where the body does not have enough red blood cells and the person with this condition can become severely anemic and in some instances, can die. Couples who are also concerned about haemophilia or sickle cell anaemia should also consider testing for these conditions as these illnesses are hereditary and can therefore be passed from parent to child.

How do I know if I need Premarital Testing?

Premarital testing is a legal requirement in some countries. If you are planning to get married then you should check the laws in the country you plan to get married in to understand what your obligations are. If it is not a legal requirement it is still a good idea to consider a premarital test. Getting tested will give you and your partner peace of mind and confidence in each other which is always a great way to begin your happy married life together.