World first testing to screen Aus parents for serious genetic conditions

A world first pilot will allow Australian parents to screen for serious genetic conditions. The mouth swab would allow people to test for genes which would increase their chances of having a child with genetic conditions including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile x syndrome. The testing will be rolled out across Victoria, WA, NSW and the ACT next year. The project – which received $20 million from the federal government – hopes to test 10,000 couples over the next few years. Image: Getty