Your carrier screening guide.
The tests, the price and when to do it, on one page.
What carrier screening is
A genetic test that shows whether you carry a gene change that could be passed on to your child. Most carriers are healthy and have no family history of the condition. If you and your partner carry a change in the same gene, your child has a higher chance of having that condition.
Who it's for
Anyone thinking about having a baby, whatever their family history. Men can be screened too, with Expanded.
The two tests
Could Standard be $0 for you?
You may be eligible if you have a valid Medicare card and you're planning a pregnancy or already pregnant. It's available once in your lifetime, and we check eligibility before your test goes ahead. Check in two taps
When to do it
Before you start trying, if you can, as it gives you the most time to plan. You can still screen during pregnancy, ideally before 12 weeks.
How it works
- Order online. Our telehealth GP checks the test suits you.
- Collect your sample at home when your kit arrives.
- Post it back in the reply-paid envelope.
- Read your report and talk it through with your telehealth GP.
Three questions to talk through
- Do I want the 3 conditions Medicare funds, or a wider panel?
- Do we want results for both of us in one report?
- When are we hoping to start trying?
* May be $0, bulk billed for eligible patients under Medicare item 73451. Medicare covers Standard carrier screening once per lifetime, and eligibility is confirmed before testing proceeds. Without Medicare, a fee applies to the screening and the consultation. Medicare doesn't cover the Expanded test itself; with a valid Medicare card, its telehealth GP consults are bulk billed.
† Our Standard carrier screening results usually take about 3 weeks from when the lab receives your sample. Expanded results usually take 3 to 4 weeks. Elucia screening identifies carrier status. Talk to your healthcare provider about your results.
