Pre-conception genetic screening allows you to make informed choices as you grow your family. Whether you're planning a pregnancy, have experienced challenges in the past, or are already expecting, our Genetic Counsellors are here to guide you at every step of the way.
Embark on an empowering journey with a supportive Genetic Counselling consultation. Through the convenience of telehealth appointments, we offer a safe and accessible space to explore the best genetic carrier screening test tailored to your unique needs.
If you’ve had a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal or genetic variation, or you know you have a family history of a genetic condition, it’s important to discuss this at your first appointment. Our Genetics team plays an important role in assessing genetic risks, and helping you understand test results and implications.
In some cases we are able to provide reassurance through genetic counselling and testing, in others we can discuss reproductive options such as PGT (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing) as part of IVF treatment, or the use of donors.
The ideal time for genetic counselling is when you are planning for a pregnancy. Screening before becoming pregnant gives couples the widest array of reproductive options.
People often have no knowledge that they are carriers of a genetic condition. In fact, 80% of babies born with an inherited genetic condition had no family history of it. Reproductive carrier screening looks for genetic variants in a person’s genes that may cause a health condition. The results provide information for couples about the chance of having a child with a genetic condition, before falling pregnant. This testing is safe and reliable, and can be performed either by blood test or on a cheek swab.
Our highly qualified and compassionate Genetic Counsellors can discuss all screening options, either for a specific condition or for chromosomal variations, to minimise the chance of passing on a genetic condition to your child.
Oftentimes, screening will result in peace-of-mind. Other times, it can provide invaluable information to empower you with reproductive choice.
No matter what the result is, we’re here to support you at every step.
We offer genetic counselling as part of the testing package for carrier screening and in other tests for those where a genetic finding is reported. For complex cases requiring more than two appointments a follow up fee of $100 applies.
For new assessments for patients who haven’t seen one of our fertility specialists at Virtus Health there may be an appointment fee of $150
There are a range of carrier screening options, and during the Genetic Counselling Service appointment, our Genetic Counsellors can discuss which test is relevant for you.
Learn all about pre-conception genetic screening here.
