Genetic carrier screening is testing to identify an increased risk of having children with three of the most common inherited genetic disorders: Cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, fragile X syndrome.
One in 20 Australians will be a carrier for at least one of these conditions. Most will not have a family history of the disease. Carriers are usually unaffected by the condition themselves, but have a higher risk of having an affected child.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends offering carrier screening to all women considering pregnancy or in their first trimester of pregnancy.