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Unlocking hidden health risks: How Jess took control with preventative genetic testing
Even if you feel healthy, your genes may tell a different story. Jess, an active and health-conscious woman, discovered through Eugene’s Preventative Health Test that she carries a genetic variant linked to heart disease. By understanding her genetic risks early, she took proactive steps to protect her heart, and her family. Learn how preventative genetic testing can uncover hidden health risks and empower you to act before symptoms appear.
Genetic discrimination by life insurers soon to be banned: Implications for Healthcare
Australia’s new legislation banning genetic discrimination by life insurers removes a long-standing barrier to genetic testing and preventive care. By separating clinical insight from insurance risk, the reform supports earlier screening, informed decision-making, and better health outcomes. For healthcare providers, it enables more confident, patient-centred integration of genetics into everyday care pathways.
BabyScreen+ : How Genomic Newborn Screening is Shaping Prevention-Focused Paediatric Care
The BabyScreen+ study shows how genomic newborn screening can extend standard programs to detect actionable conditions that may otherwise be missed. When supported by genetic counselling and scalable digital models, early genomic insight enables timely intervention, personalised care planning, and a shift toward prevention-focused paediatric care.
Sperm Donor with TP53 Mutation Fathers Nearly 200 Children: Implications for Reproductive and Fertility Care
Recent reporting of a sperm donor unknowingly carrying a rare TP53 mutation linked to Li-Fraumeni syndrome highlights the limits of genetic screening in donor conception. While testing reduces risk, it cannot eliminate it entirely- particularly for rare variants. This case reinforces the importance of genetic counselling, proactive risk management, and clear governance, including adherence to Australian donor limits and legislation, to support informed decision-making and protect the long-term wellbeing of donor-conceived families.
How preventative genetic testing revealed a hidden heart risk before symptoms appeared
“Eugene literally saved my life.” Sean felt healthy and symptom-free, but preventative genetic testing revealed a hidden inherited heart risk - allowing him to take early, informed action.
Genetic Carrier Screening Medicare Rebate in Australia - Terms and Conditions
The Australian Government is committed to facilitating access to genetic carrier screening to help identify individuals at increased risk of having a child with an inherited genetic condition. These terms and conditions outline the eligibility criteria, coverage, and payment processes for the Medicare rebate for the Core and Couples (Medicare) Carrier Test, effective from November 1st, 2023. The Carrier Screening Medicare benefit is a once-per-lifetime benefit of $340 to screen for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and fragile X syndrome (FXS). This rebate applies to females only. Male partners can be tested after the female’s results are available. If the female is a carrier for CF or SMA, we can then test the male partner for that specific condition at no additional cost. Eligibility Criteria Valid and current Australian Medicare number Chromosomal female who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy No prior benefit claimed for a carrier screening test from November 1st, 2023 onwards How to check your Medicare claim You can confirm whether you have previously claimed this benefit by checking your MyHealth or MyGov account: Log in to my.gov.au and go to your Medicare section. View your Claims history and look for claims over $300 (from November 2023 onwards). Open the claim details and look for MBS item 73451 as shown below If you haven’t received results from your previous test, we recommend contacting your GP or Specialist to obtain a copy. Please note that the provider name shown on your claim may be that of the laboratory pathologist. Payment, Reimbursement, and Application for Rebate Place your order for the relevant medicare-funded test from our website, referrals are not required to be submitted to access this rebate. Log in to your Eugene account to complete onboarding, provide your Medicare number and assign your rights to Medicare benefits to the lab (so they can bulk bill for you). We may perform a check to ensure the medicare number you provided is eligible. You can update your responses in your account up until your sample is sent to the lab. Medicare will cover two types of tests: Core Carrier Screening - bulk-billed test option doesn’t require upfront payment. If you are later found ineligible, an invoice for the full test cost will be issued, which must be paid before the test can be conducted. If you choose not to proceed with testing after the kit has been shipped, the shipping fees will be non-refundable. Couples Carrier Screening - A rebate of $340 is automatically applied, reducing your out-of-pocket cost to $949 at checkout. This out-of-pocket amount cannot be claimed through any additional benefits. If you are later found ineligible, an upgrade to the couples Comprehensive Carrier Screening test is available as it is not linked to Medicare. If you choose not to proceed with testing after the kit has been shipped, a $100 administration fee will be deducted from your refund. Exclusions Carrier screening is not currently covered by private health insurance. No discounts apply to the medicare-funded tests. These terms and conditions are binding and pertain to the Medicare rebate associated with the Core and Couples Tests for genetic carrier screening. By proceeding with the test, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these terms and conditions. Medicare retains the right to amend these terms at its discretion. For further information or inquiries, please contact the Medicare office or visit their website for updates.
Genetic Testing for Rainbow Families: A Guide to Comprehensive Carrier Screening
Building a family isn’t one-size-fits-all, and for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and those using donors, every path is unique. At Eugene, we’re here to make sure you have the knowledge, confidence, and support to plan for the future you want. Our comprehensive genetic carrier screening is designed with rainbow families in mind, helping you understand potential risks, explore your options, and feel empowered every step of the way. Whether you’re starting solo, with a partner, or with the help of a donor, we provide clear results, expert guidance, and compassionate care so your family gets the best possible start.
10 Myths About Reproductive Carrier Screening - Busted
Think you know reproductive carrier screening? Think again. This essential genetic test can reveal whether you or your partner carry gene variants that could impact your child’s health — yet myths and misinformation often stop people from getting tested. In this article, we bust 10 common myths about reproductive carrier screening, from “No one in my family has a genetic condition – so I’m not at risk” to “I’ve already done NIPT.” Learn the facts, explore your options, and see how accessible, affordable carrier screening can empower your family planning decisions.
Tailoring Carrier Screening for Ashkenazi Jewish Families
Planning a family is an exciting step, especially for people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, who have a higher chance of carrying certain genetic conditions like Tay-Sachs, Familial dysautonomia and Gaucher disease. Reproductive carrier screening helps identify these risks early, some of which might not be covered by standard tests, so you can make informed, proactive choices.
