Virtus Genetics
1800 837 284

Genetic Carrier Screening

Genetic Carrier Screening

Genetic carrier screening looks to identify your risk of having a child with a genetic condition. These conditions can have a significant impact on the child’s health and development. Individuals often have no knowledge that they are carriers of a genetic condition. Carrier screening offers valuable information for family planning, enabling you to make informed choices about pregnancy and your reproductive health. This testing is safe and reliable and can be performed either by blood test or cheek swab in the comfort of your own home.

Find out which carrier screening option is best for you with the support of our genetic counselling team. To book an appointment, click below.

Book an appointment here

Thinking about having a baby or already pregnant?

Pre-conception genetic screening allows you to make informed choices as you grow your family.

How to arrange carrier testing through Virtus Genetics

Step 1

Consider the option that is right for you.
Speak to a genetic counsellor who can help you navigate the testing options.
Book an appointment online

Step 2

Choose your test option below.
This will take you to our order portal.

Step 3

We'll send you a saliva kit to collect your sample.
Follow the instructions provided and return your sample to Virtus Genetics
SELF COLLECT GENETIC TESTING

Our Self Collect Extended Preconception Carrier Screen is coming soon to Virtus Genetics.

Read More >

Latest News

SELF COLLECT GENETIC TESTING

Our Self Collect Extended Preconception Carrier Screen is coming soon to Virtus Genetics.

Read More >

Medicare rebates carrier screening  - from 1 November 23

View Details  >

Choose your test option

Core carrier screen
Who are the tests for?
Individual carrier status for all tested conditions




Genes
3 genes
Conditions
Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR),
Fragile X Syndrome (FMR1),
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMN1)


Testing location
Australia - (Virtus Genetics)
Time
Takes 4-6 weeks (from when lab receives sample)
Cost
Bulk billed with Medicare eligibility
If non Medicare eligible private fee: $340
Genetic Counselling
Genetic Counselling is available pre and post testing.
Core + carrier screen
Who are the tests for?
Individual carrier status for all tested conditions


Genes
6 genes
Conditions
Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR),
Fragile X Syndrome (FMR1),
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMN1),
Alpha and Beta thalassemia
(HBA1/HBA2 and HBB).

Testing location
Australia - (Virtus Genetics)
Time
Takes 4-6 weeks (from when lab receives sample)

Cost
$150 with Medicare eligibility.

If non Medicare eligible private fee: $490
Genetic Counselling
Genetic Counselling is available pre and post testing.
Duo carrier screen
Who are the tests for?
Couple carrier status for all tested conditions
Genes
Up to 390 genes
Conditions
Screens couples for a wider range of genetic conditions, including: CF, FXS and SMA



Testing location
Australia - (Virtus Genetics)
Time
Takes 10-12 weeks  (from when lab receives sample)

Cost
$510 with Medicare eligibility.

If non Medicare eligible private fee: $850
Genetic Counselling
Genetic Counselling is available pre and post testing.
Individual Expanded Carrier Screen
Who are the tests for?
Comprehensive individual carrier status for all tested conditions. Recommended for patients
using egg or sperm donors or patients wanting to know their individual carrier status
Genes
Option 1 - Legacy panel - up to 289 genes
Option 2 - New panel – up to 700 genes
Conditions
Screens for a wider range of genetic conditions, including CF, FXS and SMA
Testing location
United States - (Fulgent)
Time
Takes 2-4 weeks (from when lab receives sample)

Cost
Option 1 (289 Genes): $720 per person
Option 2 (700+ Genes): $870 per person
Genetic Counselling
Genetic Counselling is available pre and post testing.


Unsure which test is right for you? You can talk to one of our experienced genetic counsellors to book an appointment.

Email info@virtusgenetics.com.au or call 1800 837 284.

For more information on the tests, download our brochures below.

Download

Select a link below to download the appropriate test information.
Duo
Duo Carrier Screen Genes
Core/Core+
Genetic Carrier Screen

Genetic Carrier Screening FAQ’s

Why should I consider Carrier Screening if I have no family history?

Individuals often have no knowledge that they are carriers of a genetic condition. Carriers will have one healthy copy of the gene that works well enough to prevent them from developing symptoms of the condition. In contrast, children affected by these conditions have no working copies of the gene. Inheritance of these genetic conditions can happen in two main ways: Autosomal recessive and X-linked inheritance.

Autosomal recessive conditions: If both the male and female individuals are found to be carriers of a variant in the same gene, there is a 1 in 4 (25%) chance of having a child affected by that genetic condition. Most of the screened conditions are autosomal recessive.

X-linked conditions: Female carriers of an X-linked condition (caused by a gene on the X chromosome) have up to a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of having a child affected by that genetic condition, irrespective of the male reproductive partner’s carrier status.
Genetic Carrier Screens

Who should be screened?

Genetic Carrier screening may be suitable regardless of your family history, genetic ancestry, or age. Most children born with a genetic condition will not have a family history of the condition. Nevertheless, if you are aware of a family history of a genetic condition, it is important to discuss this with your doctor.

Unlike chromosomal conditions (e.g., Down syndrome) that occur more commonly with advanced maternal age, the risk of being a carrier of a genetic condition does not vary with age. We are born with our genetic variants, usually inherited from our parents, and these do not change over time.

When should we be screened?

The ideal time for reproductive carrier screening is when planning a pregnancy. Screening before becoming pregnant gives couples the widest array of reproductive options. Genetic Carrier screening is also commonly used in early pregnancy.

How will these results help my partner and I when planning a family?

Genetic Carrier screening results will inform your reproductive decision making. Couples identified as being at high risk of having a child with a genetic condition will have the option of screening embryos with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) before pregnancy, or the option of testing a baby during pregnancy. Having this information allows couples to make reproductive choices right for them to ensure they have the highest chance of having a healthy family.

Virtus Genetics is a leading provider of PGT in Australia. A Medicare rebate for PGT is now also available for couples at risk of having children affected by a genetic condition.

Watch the video below to learn more about genetic carrier screening and how genetic conditions are inherited.

file-emptycalendar-fullmenuchevron-downchevron-rightarrow-rightarrow-down-circle