Virtus Genetics
1800 837 284

Genetic Carrier Screening

Reproductive genetic carrier screening assesses the chances of your patient and their reproductive partner having a child affected by the genetic conditions tested. 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. 

Genetic carrier screening is recommended for those patients planning and trying for a baby. Carrier screening offers valuable information for family planning, enabling your patients to make informed choices about pregnancy and their reproductive health. This testing is safe and reliable and can be performed either by blood test or cheek swab.

As of 1st November 2023, there is a new rebate for genetic carrier screening tests for three common conditions: Fragile X (FXS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Learn more about it here

Test options

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 (Fulgent)
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
Legacy ECS
- Male individuals (268 genes)
- Female individuals (289 genes + additional X-linked genes)


Option 2
700+ Fulgent Expanded Carrier Screen

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.

Download

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

Test Procedures

A blood or cheek sample swab can be collected from your patient/s.

Results will be issued to the doctor who requested the testing, as well as other healthcare professionals nominated to receive their result.

You can then discuss the results with your patients, and genetic counsellors are available for support as needed. Click here to contact us.

Privacy Policy

Virtus genetics policy can be found here

For individual expanded screening testing: Your patients’ sample and personal information will be made available to Fulgent for the purposes of providing test services and performing related activities.

Genetic Carrier Screening explained

Find out more about Genetic Carrier Screening and frequently asked questions in the video below.

file-emptymenuchevron-downchevron-rightarrow-rightarrow-down-circle