Wolper Jewish Hospital provides testing for a range of genetic disorders that occur more frequently in individuals of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish ancestry through two programs:
High School Genetic Screening Program
The High School Genetic Screening Program provides year 11 students at Emanuel College, Kesser Torah College, Masada College, Moriah College and Reddam House with the opportunity to undergo genetic carrier screening.
Preconception Genetic Screening Program
For couples considering starting a family, Wolper Jewish Hospital conducts testing for a range of genetic disorders. The clinic is for couples prior to falling pregnant and for those who may have missed out on the schools screening program.
If both parents are carriers, each pregnancy carries a 1 in 4 chance of a genetic disorder.
The Preconception Genetic Screening Program provides two options. Both options use a self-collected saliva or cheek swab sample (depending on the option chosen).
Option 1
- Offers free testing of the most common serious 11 genetic conditions found in the Jewish community
- There is no cost if you choose this testing
Option 2
- More extensive screening is available for up to 390 different conditions. These conditions are not all especially common in the Jewish community, but are found in different populations around the world. This DOES include all 12 conditions covered in option 1.
- This testing is carried out through an Australian laboratory, called Virtus Diagnostics.
Whether you need medical care or rehabilitation services, we hope that when you need a place to focus on your health, you’ll come to us – because our focus is always on your health, quality of life and comfort.
