Premarital scanning is a requisite before a couple may be awarded a marriage certificate in the UAE[1]. This is to encourage couples to get examined for any genetic diseases and take necessary treatments and precautions before getting married.
The pre-marital examination includes a series of different tests to ascertain whether both partners are medically compatible or not. While there are various medical centers in the UAE that offer consultation and screening, for anyone not comfortable going out, or unable to, the option to get your pre-marital screening test at home is also available.
What Is Pre-Marital Screening?
A pre-marital test is a screening procedure that provides an essential health examination of couples looking to get married. This test includes examinations for infectious, transmissible, and genetic disorders to lower any chance of disease transmission to one another and their offspring.
Testing for viral disorders including Hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and genetic illnesses like sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and other hemoglobinopathies are all part of the screening process. Additional examinations include those for blood groups, Rhesus compatibility, and rubella.
Programs for premarital testing ought to inform prospective spouses in a neutral and factual manner. The wider picture is affected by elements like age, family history, inherited traits, exercise, managing weight, diet, and addictions.
Categories of Pre-Marital Screening
There are namely two categories of pre-nuptial examinations.
Screening for Non-Relatives
If the couple is not related by blood, the pre-marital tests may vary. As per the husband, tests like AIDS, banding factor, blood sugar, semen analysis, hemoglobin level, blood type, syphilis, and hepatitis B are included. Whereas, the wife will require scanning for similar tests as the husband, with an additional analysis of estrogen hormones, rubella virus, and progesterone.
Screening for Relatives
In case the couple to be married are relatives, they will follow similar screening examinations as the ones for non-relatives, with the inclusion of a chromosome and thalassemia examination.
The Importance of Pre-Marital Screening
Pre-marital screening has become increasingly essential in protecting the health of couples, families, and future generations. As a result of the law requiring premarital screening for UAE citizens and residents, the incidence of genetic illnesses in Dubai has decreased by 100%, from more than 12%[2] before the law’s passage.
Pre-marital screening is important because it:
- Assesses the overall health of both partners before marriage.
- Helps prevent the spread of infectious and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Promotes awareness of what it means to build a healthy, informed marriage.
- Reduces the potential emotional, financial, and social burden associated with hereditary and chronic illnesses.
- Supports early intervention and treatment planning, including fertility-related care.
- Eases the strain on healthcare systems and blood banks.
- Lowers child mortality rates and minimizes the risk of passing certain conditions from mother to child, including congenital disorders.
- Helps families avoid long-term psychological and social challenges linked to inherited or preventable diseases.
Where Is Pre-Marital Testing Performed in the UAE?
Pre-marital counseling and screening services are available across 25 healthcare facilities throughout the UAE, including Dubai, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman. These centers are all licensed and authorized by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) to provide such services.
Process of Examination
To start off the screening process, couples can visit any of the approved facilities, either together, or separately. They have the option of registering themselves online or at the medical center’s reception. A medical history report must be provided, especially if it includes any genetic or infectious diseases.
Once the required fees have been paid, the couple gets assigned to a specialized doctor, who then carries out the necessary examination and blood tests. Afterwards, the couple is provided with advice, or pre-marital vaccination if need be. A medical fitness certificate is then granted right away if everything is in order.[3]
The couple may have to pay a second visit to the assigned doctor to discuss the reports together. Depending on how the couple’s medical condition turns out, it may take anywhere between three and ten working days to complete the service.
Reports are supplied with a three-month validity term. If those are positive, the required treatment will start which may include long or short-term treatment, vaccination, and/or specialist consultations, along with counseling, and support. All information about the couple’s condition is kept fully confidential. If they still wish to carry on with the marriage after getting positive results, they are asked to sign a document of consent.[4]
Required Documents
Before going in for your examination, make sure you have the following documents:
- Health or Insurance Card
- Valid Emirates Identity Card
- Valid visa and passport of prospective spouses
- Two colored passport-sized photos of both the husband and wife[5]
Conclusion
People around the world could benefit from pre-medical screening. While a lot of people are skeptical about it and have differing opinions, many are now realizing the importance of taking this precautionary measure for a healthier life in the long run.
With centers all around the UAE offering this service, getting pre-marital screening is quite convenient, even more so because of companies providing certain services at home.
If you are looking into this test, or know someone who might be interested, ServiceMarket can help you book a lab test at home in Dubai.
[1]Digital, T. (n.d.). Health Authority – HAAD: Premarital Screening Reduces Genetic Diseases. https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/news/haad-premarital-screening-reduces-genetic-diseases
[2] All you need to know about Pre-Marital Medical Examinations in the UAE. (2021, July 29). Lawyers in Dubai | Legal Consultants in Dubai. https://hhslawyers.com/blog/pre-marital-medical-examinations-in-the-uae/
[3] Internet, F. (n.d.). Premarital Counseling and Screening. Emirates Health Services – UAE. https://www.ehs.gov.ae/en/services/services-directory/premarital-counseling-and-screening
[4] Objectives of Pre-Marriage Medical Test in Dubai. (2022, September 26). Dubai Court Marriage. https://dubaicourtmarriage.com/blog/marriage-medical-test-dubai/
[5] Dubai Health Authority. (n.d.). Premarital Counselling Package.
