Genetic Counselling Support
Genomic screening can raise complex medical, emotional and family considerations. Genetic counselling provides individuals and families with clear, balanced information about test results, their significance and the options available to them, supporting informed decision-making during what can be a challenging time.
Genetic counsellors are health professionals with specialist training in human genomics, counselling and health communication. They help patients understand what a test result means, the likelihood that a result reflects an underlying condition, potential implications for the current pregnancy and for other family members, and the benefits and limitations of further testing.
Genetic counselling for Aurora™ NIPT
Genetic counselling is offered to all women whose Aurora™ NIPT result indicates a pregnancy with a high probability of a chromosomal abnormality. The approach to counselling is determined by the referring doctor and may be provided in one of the following ways:
Your doctor may choose to provide the genetic counselling themselves.
Provided by echiDNA allied genetic counselling service (no additional fee applies).
By referral from your doctor to a local genetic counselling service.
To support patients receiving high-probability Aurora™ NIPT results, echiDNA facilitates an initial telephone consultation with a certified genetic counsellor free of charge. This consultation is designed to ensure timely access to expert information and support following result reporting.
A genetic counselling referral form is to be completed and emailed to enquiries@echidnapathlabs.com if the patient wishes to use this service.
What to Expect?
Detailed explanation of how your Aurora™ NIPT result should be interpreted and the chance that it represents a true positive finding
Information about the specific condition identified
Overview of the benefits and limitations of non-invasive prenatal screening
Brief review of relevant personal and family history
Discussion of next steps/further options
Discussion about the emotional and psychosocial concerns arising from the result
Opportunity to ask questions
After the genetic counselling session, the patient will be provided with a fact sheet and a letter will be sent to the referring healthcare practitioner summarising the consultation
Accessing Genetic Counselling
Your doctor can advise on whether genetic counselling is appropriate and assist with referral where required. echiDNA works closely with certified genetic counsellors to support patients and referrers, while recognising that ongoing care and decision-making remain under the guidance of the treating clinician.
Important Information & Limitations
Referrals for the no-cost initial genetic counselling consultation must be made within two weeks of reporting a high-probability Aurora™ NIPT result. Genetic counselling is not routinely provided by echiDNA for low risk or inconclusive results. Should counselling be requested in these circumstances, an out-of-pocket fee will apply.
Aurora™ NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. Any high-probability result must be confirmed by diagnostic testing before any major clinical decisions regarding the pregnancy are made. Genetic counselling supports understanding of results and options but does not replace clinical care provided by the referring healthcare practitioner.
HGSA-registered Genetic Counsellors Nationwide
The Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) maintains a Register of Genetic Counsellors for each state and territory across Australia. Registered genetic counsellors are overseen by the HGSA Board of Censors for Genetic Counselling. To view the register, please click here.
Only the initial genetic counselling service provided by echiDNA’s allied genetic counsellors is free of charge.