The Opportunity

For people planning a pregnancy, or in early pregnancy, Reproductive Genetic Carrier Screening (RGCS) is an optional test that is now available. Although most babies are born healthy, around 3% (1 in 30) will have a serious medical condition. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause. Any baby has a chance of having a genetic condition, even if the biological parents are healthy and no-one in their families has that condition.

No test can guarantee a healthy baby, but RGCS may identify if a person or couple have an increased chance of having a child with certain genetic conditions. This information may help people make choices about pregnancy or improve the care of a future affected child.

Testing for the three most prevalent genetic conditions has recently been added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule resulting in increased accessibility to screening. Easy to understand information about RCGS is difficult to find.

Our Approach

CEIH through the Clinical Genomics Statewide Clinical Network has created a short, easy to understand educational animation about RGCS. The animation can be used by health professionals to help explain RGCS.

Our Partners

• Clinical Genomics Statewide Clinical Network Steering Committee

Outcomes

The output of this work was the development of animated video which can be used by clinicians and health services to help consumers better understand RGCS. The video can also be accessed directly by individual and couples who are seeking more information about RGCS.

Women's and Children's Health Network have included a QR code on their educational flyers about RGCS to promote access to the video to consumers. Individuals or couples can use their phone the QR code to access the video.

The Clinical Genomics Statewide Clinical Network will continue to promote the use of this video with other service providers.

Documents and resources

Reproductive Carrier Screening Video

Have a question?

or want to learn more? email CEIH.ClinicalGenomics@sa.gov.au