carrier screening

n.

Indiscriminate examination of members of a population to detect heterozygotes for serious disorders and to discourage sexual union and marriage with other carriers. Prenatal diagnosis is used for a married couple who are both carriers.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.