Horizon™ – Advanced Carrier Screening

Clinical Use

Use

Horizon™ genetic carrier screening helps couples determine the risk of passing on serious genetic conditions to their child. It can be performed before or during pregnancy and provides actionable knowledge for reproductive planning, including options like in vitro fertilization or prenatal diagnostic testing. The test screens for multiple inherited genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, fragile X syndrome, and sickle cell anemia, using next-generation sequencing. The test is CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited but not FDA-cleared. ([natera.com](https://www.natera.com/womens-health/horizon-advanced-carrier-screening/))

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

Horizon is a carrier screening test, not a diagnostic test. A negative result does not rule out all possible variants, and carrier status typically does not change over time. For X-linked conditions, testing is limited to female patients. Some panels may not be appropriate based on family history or ethnicity. ([natera.com](https://www.natera.com/womens-health/horizon-advanced-carrier-screening/faq/?utm_source=openai))

Test Details

Methodology

NGS

Biomarkers

Standard NGS-based carrier screen

Result Turnaround Time

14 days

Specimen

Whole Blood

Volume

10 mL (lavender-top K2 EDTA tube)

Minimum Volume

Not provided

Container

Lavender-top K2 EDTA tube

Collection Instructions

One 10 mL lavender-top K2 EDTA tube; if Tay‑Sachs enzyme is selected, a second 10 mL tube is required. Alternatively, saliva in a 2 mL Oragene® saliva collection container (but saliva cannot be used for Tay-Sachs enzyme testing).

Storage Instructions

Store at room temperature; blood not exposed to temperatures above or below 43–98 °F. EDTA tube refrigerated above 43 °F acceptable for up to 7 days if not ordering Tay‑Sachs enzyme testing.