Planning for a baby is one of life’s most exciting journeys. Between nursery ideas, name lists and daydreams about the future, there’s also an important step worth considering: genetic carrier screening.
It’s a simple, at-home test that can give you powerful insights into your genetic carrier status — and the potential health of your future children. Medical bodies, including RANZCOG and RACGP, recommend Reproductive genetic carrier screening. Guidelines state that all women planning or in the first trimester of pregnancy should be provided with information about carrier screening.
While most reproductive couples will have a low chance of having a child impacted with an inherited genetic condition, approximately 2-3% of couples will be at increased risk of having a pregnancy or child impacted by a serious genetic condition.
When it comes to planning a pregnancy, information is power.
Considering screening as part of pregnancy preparations will give you access to the most options and time to consider each, if you are found to be at increased risk. However, testing is also powerful within pregnancy and is recommended to be pursued within the first trimester.
There are many types of Reproductive carrier screening tests. Some tests screen for the common gene variations associated with three common genetic conditions observed in the Australian population. While others offer broader panels of more than 750 genes.
While the Medicare-funded Core (3-gene test) will detect approximately 20% of couples with an underlying risk factor, broader panels will detect up to 90% of couples at risk.
Why consider Carrier Screening?
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Clarity on your genetic health: Find out if you carry genes linked to serious childhood conditions.
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Preparedness: Knowing early allows you to plan confidently, such as choosing a hospital with the right specialists at birth.
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Options for the future: If both partners are carriers, you can consider Medicare-funded IVF programs or other options to reduce the risk of passing on a condition.
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Guideline-recommended: Carrier screening is advised by leading healthcare organisations like RANZCOG and RACGP for everyone planning a pregnancy.
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Before fertility preservation: If you are thinking about egg or embryo freezing, screening beforehand can help you and your doctors make informed choices about which embryos to freeze and your future reproductive plans.
Tell me more about the test.
While Medicare offers a basic 3-gene panel, Eugene’s Comprehensive Carrier Screening goes much deeper, covering more than 780 genetic conditions that affect children. It’s our most inclusive option, giving you the fullest picture of your reproductive risk.
It’s especially helpful if you are:
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Planning pregnancy soon or in the future
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Freezing eggs or embryos
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Testing solo or with a donor
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You and/or your reproductive partner have an ethnically diverse background
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From a higher-risk background (e.g. Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry)
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Not eligible for Medicare rebates
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Simply wanting the most complete insight possible before starting a family
What is included?
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Saliva sample collected at home
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Doctor-reviewed results in 4 weeks
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Personalised reports for individuals, couples, and donors
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Free genetic counselling to guide you through your results and options
What happens if I am a Carrier?
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Individual testing: If you’re a carrier, the next step is testing your partner or donor.
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Couples or donor testing: If you both carry the same condition, you can consider:
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Prenatal testing to check if your pregnancy is affected.
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Medicare-funded IVF technologies to reduce the chance of passing it on.
Why Eugene?
Because testing is just the start, with Eugene, you’ll always have access to expert genetic counsellors who explain your results in clear, supportive language and help you take the next step that’s right for you.
Every family’s journey is unique. But given that 90% of babies born with genetic conditions have no family history, carrier screening is relevant for everyone — whether you’re trying naturally, freezing eggs or embryos, or using IVF or donor options.
With Eugene, you can take control of your reproductive health today — with convenience, clarity and support every step of the way.
Exclusive for Sussan Group Employees
Use code SUSSANGROUP at checkout to save AU$100 and enjoy free shipping on Comprehensive Carrier Screening and other eligible tests. Offer valid until 30th September 2025.
