Beacon expanded carrier screen

What does reproductive carrier screening test for?

The Beacon expanded reproductive carrier screen tests more than 400 genes to identify if you are a carrier of a genetic condition that could affect your baby. This comprehensive screen can detect one in 44 couples at high risk of having an affected child. The decision to have this test is entirely your choice.

Why test for these conditions?

We all have two copies of most chromosomes, and each parent passes one copy of each chromosome to their child. The chromosomes are made of DNA, the chemical that encodes the genes in every cell of your body.

In the past, the only clue that a healthy person was a carrier had been the diagnosis of a genetic condition in their child. That has now changed. We can examine the genes of a couple to see if they are a carrier and at increased risk of having an affected child before a woman becomes pregnant (preconception) or in early pregnancy.

If a couple is shown to be at increased risk of having an affected child, they can make an informed choice to accept that risk or consider a range of reproductive options such as IVF and prenatal testing to reduce that risk. 

What is a carrier?

A carrier is a person who has a genetic change, or mutation, in their DNA, but in most cases does not have any associated health problems. Carriers are, however, able to pass that mutation on to their children, who may then develop a genetic condition. 

Carriers are usually not affected. The presence of one normal copy of the gene is sufficient to keep a carrier healthy. However, some women who are carriers of an X-linked condition can show signs of the condition, despite having a second normal X chromosome.

Expanded reproductive carrier screening

The Beacon expanded carrier screen looks for variations in many of the genes that cause serious genetic conditions affecting babies and children.

Most of these conditions are very rare. There is usually no family history of the condition and the only way to find out if you are a carrier is to have carrier screening.

Testing is available for unaffected adults before pregnancy (preconception) or in early pregnancy. It can be performed either individually or as a couple.

• Individual testing - Females are tested for more than 400 genes; this includes more than 50 genes on the X chromosome. Males are tested for more than 350 genes as they do not need to be tested for the genes on the X chromosome (which are presumed to be normal in an unaffected man).
• Couple testing - Both partners are tested at the same time to see if they carry the same faulty gene for any of more than 350 conditions. The woman is also tested for faults in more than 50 genes on her X chromosome. Please note that testing as a couple gives you information about the risk you have, together, for your pregnancies.

Cost

Click here for current pricing.

Genetic counselling

We strongly recommend that couples with an increased chance of having an affected child seek expert genetic counselling regarding the options available to them.

Couples tested by Sonic Genetics and found to be at high risk of having an affected child will be offered genetic counselling free-of-charge^{^} upon referral from your doctor.

^Terms and conditions apply 

Points to consider

• If you and your partner are both found to be carriers of the same faulty gene, or if you are a woman carrying a faulty gene on your X Chromosome, there is a greatly increased chance of having a child with a condition due to that gene. It is important for you and your partner to understand what these results mean for you and your situation.
• Hearing about the carrier result will usually be unexpected. It may lead to a range of physical and emotional reactions, especially if there are decisions that need to be made. Genetic counsellors are experienced in providing support and information that will help you and your partner make an informed decision.
• We strongly recommend that carrier testing is performed before conception. The earlier that testing is performed, the more time you have to make your decision.
• When testing shows that there is an increased chance of having an affected child:
• • If you are not pregnant, you have time to think about the carrier test result when discussing your family planning options. You can consider testing the baby in pregnancy for the condition (prenatal testing). Another option is using IVF and then testing the embryo for the condition before implantation. However, not testing for the condition is also an option.
  • If you are pregnant, your options include prenatal testing or not testing for the condition.

Privacy

Your sample and personal information (including health information) are sent to Fulgent Genetics, a CLIA-accredited US laboratory, for the purposes of analysis and interpretation. Fulgent Genetics may not be bound by laws that provide the same level of protection for personal information afforded by the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

A couple report will not be produced unless your partner provides consent for their results to be shared with you and your healthcare provider.

The information on this website is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for the specific advice of your treating doctor.