Question 1

What is carrier screening?

Accepted Answer

Carrier screening is a genetic test that identifies whether you carry a gene variant associated with certain inherited conditions. Carriers are typically healthy and have no symptoms. In most cases, it is impossible to know what you are a carrier for without testing.

When two partners are each carriers for the same condition, there is generally a 25% chance with each pregnancy of having a child affected by that condition. Carrier screening gives couples this information before or during pregnancy so they can make informed, empowered decisions.

Question 2

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

The genetic test costs CHF 1,495 per couple (CHF 747.50 per person) and is paid out of pocket. Genetic counselling sessions cost approximately CHF 200–300 per couple, per session, and are generally covered by Swiss basic health insurance, subject to the usual deductible and co-payment.

Our price primarily reflects the cost of laboratory analysis, with a small administrative fee on top. By partnering with an accredited laboratory in Germany, offering at-home sample collection, and automating administrative processes, we eliminate much of the overhead associated with traditional clinics.

Question 3

What's included?

Accepted Answer

Our test panel includes genetic variants in 1,944 genes associated with severe early childhood diseases.

The test also includes dedicated screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Fragile X syndrome, two conditions that require specialized genetic analyses. Fragile X repeat expansion testing is performed for female participants.

Question 4

What can I do with my results?

Accepted Answer

If both partners are identified as carriers for the same condition, your genetic counsellor will explain the full range of options available to you. These may include:

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) — genetic testing of embryos created through IVF before a pregnancy is established
Prenatal testing during pregnancy — such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis to test the pregnancy directly
Proceeding with this information — some couples choose to continue a pregnancy with a full understanding of the possible outcomes
Donor conception or adoption — options that some carrier couples explore

There is no single "right" answer, and our team is here to support whatever path feels right for you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Question 5

How is the saliva sample collected?

Accepted Answer

Once your test is ordered, we will mail a simple saliva collection kit directly to your home. The kit includes clear, step-by-step instructions on how to collect the sample and send it for analysis.

Question 6

How long does it take to get results?

Accepted Answer

Results are typically available within 3–4 weeks of the laboratory receiving your sample. You will be notified as soon as they are ready. Once results are available, a genetic counsellor will walk you through what they mean for you and your family, and help you plan any appropriate next steps.

Question 7

What is genetic counselling, and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Genetic counselling is a type of medical consultation with a trained genetics professional. Appointments typically last 30–60 minutes, during which the counsellor will review your personal and family health history, explain how genetic testing works, and discuss what results could mean for you. Genetic counselling is designed to inform and support — not to pressure. Testing is never required, and a counsellor's role is to help you understand your options so you can make decisions that are right for your unique situation. We offer two counselling sessions: one before testing, to understand what carrier screening can and cannot tell you, and one after receiving results.

Question 8

Can I just order the test directly?

Accepted Answer

We follow the official Swiss guidelines, which require ordering the test via a qualified physician, after a genetic counselling session. This is done to ensure that patients receive a test that is suited to their needs and understand the implications of genetic testing.

Question 9

When is the best time to do carrier screening?

Accepted Answer

Carrier screening can be done at any point: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, or even after a child is born and found to have symptoms of a genetic condition. Testing before pregnancy is generally recommended, as it allows for the widest range of reproductive options and the most time to consider next steps. Testing during pregnancy is commonly done, but some options, such as preimplantation genetic testing of embryos, would no longer be available at that stage. Schedule a visit with one of our providers to learn which timing makes the most sense for you.

Question 10

Is this the same as the test that screens for Down syndrome?

Accepted Answer

No. Carrier screening and prenatal chromosome screening are two different tests that answer different questions. Prenatal chromosome screening, such as the NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) or first-trimester screening, looks at the baby during pregnancy for signs of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, or trisomy 13. These are typically caused by a random change in chromosome number and are not usually inherited from a carrier parent. Carrier screening, by contrast, looks at the parents' DNA for inherited gene variants associated with recessive conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or fragile X syndrome. If chromosomal screening is something you are interested in, that test should be requested separately, typically during pregnancy.

Question 11

How is carrier screening different from other pregnancy tests?

Accepted Answer

Carrier screening is unique in that it provides information about your own genetic makeup — specifically, whether you carry variants that could be passed on to your children. It does not diagnose a condition in you or in a current pregnancy. Many other tests offered during pregnancy, such as first-trimester screening or cell-free DNA testing, look at the developing baby for signs of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. Carrier screening is a separate, distinct test and should be requested independently if desired.

Question 12

What happens to my genetic data?

Accepted Answer

Your saliva sample is analysed by our partner laboratory CeGaT in pseudonymised form, meaning your identifying information is kept separate from your genetic data. You decide how your sample and results are handled: whether your DNA sample is stored for up to 10 years for quality control and follow-up testing, whether your results are retained for the long term, and whether your pseudonymised data may be used for scientific research. If a variant in your report is later reclassified in a way that changes your results, we'll let you know through your genetic counsellor. You can withdraw any part of your consent at any time.

Question 13

Are there limitations with carrier screening?

Accepted Answer

Carrier screening has important limitations: A negative result does not guarantee your child will be unaffected. Carrier screening reduces risk, it does not eliminate it entirely. Not all disease-causing genes are known yet. Science is constantly discovering new genetic causes of inherited conditions, and today's panels reflect current knowledge, which will continue to evolve. Not every gene nor every part of a gene are included on every panel. Even our comprehensive panel cannot cover all known genes associated with every condition. Additionally, certain types of genetic changes are harder to identify reliably, even with advanced sequencing. For these reasons, carrier screening results should be interpreted in conversation with a genetic counsellor or specialist, especially if you have a known family history of a genetic condition.

genetic test for
family planning

Our test

How it works

Genetic counselling

Take a sample

Discuss results

Team

Dr. Isis Atallah

Claire Barton, MS, CGC

Sasha Melkonyan

Frequently asked questions

genetic test forfamily planning