What is it?
What it is, what is looks for, and why someone might choose it
Starting a family is one of life's biggest decisions. It's natural to want clarity and confidence as you take that step.
The Familee Screen is a set of pre-pregnancy genetic tests that help you understand some of your genetic risks before conception.
It includes the following tests, which can be ordered separately or together, depending on your needs:
Basic Carrier Screen - checks for three common inherited conditions: cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and fragile X syndrome.
Expanded Carrier Screen - looks for more than 1,400 additional genetic conditions that can affect a child's health.
Personal Genetic Screen - identifies certain genetic conditions that may affect your own health and could be passed on.
Chromosome Analysis - screens for missing or extra DNA segments that have been linked to neurodevelopmental or other health risks.
A detailed list of the genes and regions looked at by these tests
No genetic test can eliminate the risk of having a child affected by a genetic condition.
But together, these tests can help you see more of the genetic risks that matter. With that understanding, you can make informed choices when starting or growing your family.
Who is it for?
Who should consider it and when
What does it include?
How much does it cost? Price, rebates, optional extras
How do I get tested?
What kind of results could I receive?
What happens if something is found?
Fees (per female individual)
Basic Carrier Screen: Bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare criteria. This screen is required for all Familee Screen requests.
Other Familee Screen tests (Expanded Carrier Screen, Personal Genetic Screen) can be added for a total private fee of $590, whether one or both are selected. These optional tests are not covered by Medicare.
Chromosome Analysis (if ordered): Bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare criteria. This test may be clinically indicated when your doctor also orders the Expanded Carrier Screen and/or the Personal Genetic Screen.
Fees (per male individual)
Familee Screen tests (Basic Carrier Screen, Expanded Carrier Screen, Personal Genetic Screen, or all three) are performed for a total private fee of $590, for male individuals whose female partners have undergone the Familee Screen. These tests are not covered by Medicare, although the Basic Carrier Screen component may be Medicare-funded in limited circumstances.
Chromosome Analysis (if ordered): Bulk billed for patients who meet Medicare criteria. This test may be clinically indicated when your doctor also orders the Expanded Carrier Screen and/or the Personal Genetic Screen.
Please note that the Familee Screen in males does not include screening for fragile X syndrome or other X-linked conditions.
Trio Exome
The Familee Screen keeps the genetic testing journey simple and guided - from ordering the test to understanding your results.
Here's what to expect at each step.
(1) Talk to your doctor
Your doctor may introduce the Familee Screen and explain what it looks for, what the results can show, and whether it’s right for you.
If you've heard about Preciselee or the Familee screen elsewhere, you can print a request form, bring it to your doctor, and talk through whether the test is suitable for you.
If you've come across the Familee Screen on your own, you may find it helpful to complete the online consent (Step 2) before your appointment. It gives you an overview of the test so you can have a more informed discussion with your doctor.
(2) Complete the online consent
After your doctor has ordered testing, you’ll need to read some information about the Familee Screen.
This explains the purpose of the Familee Screen, what it can and cannot find, and the types of results you may receive. We'll then confirm your understanding through some quiz questions.
This step is essential. We can only perform testing once we know you’ve understood the information and given your informed consent.
(3) Provide a sample
Two saliva samples are all we need. No special preparation is needed.
If your doctor already has a Preciselee kit, they can complete the request form, give you the kit, and you can return the form and kit to us by mail.
If they don’t have a kit, simply email a photo or scan of your request form to contact@preciselee.co and we’ll mail a kit directly to you.
(4) Your sample comes to our lab
Once your sample arrives at the Preciselee laboratory, we confirm your details, perform quality checks, and prepare your DNA for testing and analysis.
Every sample is handled with care and tracked throughout the process.
(5) We analyse your genes
Your DNA is tested using validated laboratory methods.
These are screening tests, so we only look for gene variants that are well understood. This helps avoid uncertain results, but some rare or less-understood variants might be missed.
All results are reviewed by trained scientists and overseen by a Genetic Pathologist to ensure accuracy and medical relevance.
(6) We interpret and report your results
Our team reviews the findings, interprets their medical significance for you and any future children, and recommends any follow-up or additional testing if needed.
A copy of your report will be uploaded to your My Health Record, unless you choose not to and let us know. Your results will be available within 8 weeks of us receiving your sample.
(7) Your doctor talks through the results with you
Your doctor will explain your report, answer your questions, and discuss any next steps. In some situations, and with your doctor's approval, we can arrange a complimentary telehealth session with a qualified genetic counsellor.
(8) We're here if you need us
We’re here for you and your doctor. If questions come up, your doctor can reach out to us anytime, and we’ll work with them to make sure you get the answers you need.
How It Works
