Prenatal screening (PNS) can be a very effective strategy for identifying the individuals at-risk of genetic disorders. In contrast to prenatal genetic tests, which are very expensive, require special set-ups and expertise, PNS can be of great help in reducing the burden of genetic disorders, especially in the Indian context. During the last 10 years, several advanced PNS tests utilizing new platforms, with comparatively more sensitivity and specificity, have emerged. PNS tests for chromosomal aneuploidies, microdeletion syndromes, hemoglobinopathies, neural tube defects etc. are available. However, primary health care providers need to be made more aware about the availability of different tests, the time point at which these need to be used, appropriateness of these tests to various presentations and interpretation of the result. They need to be periodically informed about the availability, limitations, sensitivity and specificity of different platforms for PNS. Further, there is a need to develop uniform, updated and practical guidelines on PNS and disseminate these to health care providers so as to benefit the mass population. This article compiles information on different types of PNS and prenatal diagnostic tests, commonly required for different genetic conditions. These recommendations may help clinicians and primary healthcare providers in PNS.

There is a need for understanding and establishment of the most appropriate testing algorithm for COVID-19 diagnosis in asymptomatic high-risk groups. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of RT-PCR results obtained from 412 cases tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by rapid antigen testing method. Among 178 (43.2%) asymptomatic individuals, 44.9% of the high risk contacts, 12.2% of police custody individuals, 22.22% of the pregnant women and 33.33% of individuals hospitalised for preoperative or other medical conditions showed RT-PCR positivity. Our results suggest a need for focussed and intensive (multi-modality) testing in groups at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancers (HBOCs) syndrome is the most common of all hereditary cancers. A harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation can be inherited from one generation to another. Timely genetic testing and genetic counseling are very important in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This can help in either avoiding the disease or at least postponing the onset of the disease. This perspective is written for improving the knowledge and counseling skills of health-care providers in offering genetic services for HBOCs.