The Science Behind Genotype: Exploring Its Significance

It is very important for a couple to get their blood type checked before getting married or having a baby, as it can determine the health of the child.

Instead of waiting till you meet that special half with whom you will spend your lifetime before realizing the importance of such specific medical tests, why not go for these medical tests now that you're probably single or have not met that special someone yet?

Whether you're a man or woman, you should undergo a hemoglobin genotype test now before you meet your lifetime partner when it might either be too late or the outcome of your incompatibility could drive you into a mental breakdown.

What is a Genotype?

A genotype is an individual's complete genetic constitution, or the genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms in relation to a single trait, a set of traits, or an entire complex of traits. In a nutshell, your genotype is your complete heritable genetic identity; the sum of genes passed down from parent to offspring.

For couples preparing to tie the knot, a genotype compatibility test is essential. This test assesses the partners' potential risk of passing on sickle cell disease to their offspring based on their respective genotypes.

Sickle cell disorder is an inherited blood condition, in which the red blood cells have an abnormal shape that makes them prone to breaking down prematurely as they pass through narrow blood vessels. A sickle cell patient suffers from oxygen shortage, because the red blood cells that transport oxygen to the body tissues are in short supply and are abnormal. The constant breakdown of red blood cells also causes an obstruction in blood vessels, resulting in pain, which is commonly referred to as a sickle cell crisis.

There are four hemoglobin genotypes (hemoglobin pairs/formations) in humans: AA, AS, SS and AC (uncommon). SS and AC are the abnormal genotypes or the sickle cells. We all have a specific pair of these hemoglobin in our blood which we inherited from both parents.

Why it’s Important to Know Your Genotype

Knowing one's hemoglobin genotype before choosing a life partner is important because there may be compatibility issues which could have devastating effects when it comes to conception.

Individuals with sickle cells experience severe pains in body parts where oxygen flow is compromised due to blockage in the blood vessels. 

AA can marry anybody

AS and AA: No risk of SCD. Can marry

AA and SS: No risk of SCD. Can marry

AS and AS: Risk of SCD. Marriage not recommended

AS and AC: Risk of SCD. Marriage not recommended

SS and SS: Risk of SCD. Marriage not recommended

Taking care of an SS child can be a nightmare, especially for couples who lack financial resources; even for those who do, the child may die as a result of a crisis or complication that occurs unexpectedly. 

As a result, knowing your hemoglobin genotype before entering a relationship that may lead to marriage allows you to discuss it with your partner, and if you are incompatible, the possibility of marriage can be easily ruled out at this early stage of the relationship, as opposed to learning your hemoglobin genotype after the proposal and the wedding is only a few weeks away!

What's your genotype? Go find out today!