Are you planning or expecting to have a baby? Did you know Bendigo Community Health Services offers two terrific tests for before pregnancy and during pregnancy.
This non-invasive prenatal test estimates the chance your pregnancy may have a chromosome condition.
Our specialist Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub nurses Sybilla and Eliza (pictured here) collect for the test each Wednesday morning at the Central Site in Hargreaves Street.
Eliza said BCHS is only place in Bendigo that offers the percept test.
“We do the collection, and it’s then tested through the Victorian Clinical Genetics Service at the Royal Children’s Hospital,” she said.
“We love it because the service includes access to genetic counsellors to support clients where abnormalities or risk of abnormalities have been identified in a pregnancy.”
How to access the percept test
- Ask your doctor for a percept pathology form.
- Wait until you’re 10-weeks + pregnant before making a percept test appointment with the BCHS clinic.
- Have at least 500ml of water and something to eat before your appointment to help make the collection easier and reduce the risk of a failed attempt.
- Don’t pay us – You will get a mobile link from the Victorian Clinical Genetics Service to make the standard $449 test payment.
- Test results will then be sent to your doctor.
Prepair genetic carrier screening home saliva kit
The prepair test is used to see if someone is a genetic carrier for cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome or spinal muscular atrophy. It can be taken before pregnancy occurs, or before 12 weeks’ gestation.
Eliza said in great news for parents-to-be, the once $389 test is now funded under Medicare, and FREE to access at BCHS.
“The person who will become pregnant does the test, and if they come back as a carrier for something, then the partner also takes the test,” she said.
“Clients can simply come into reception at our Central Site and ask for a kit to take home.”
For more information call us on 5406 1200.
