In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast IVF and Fertility Specialist Dr. Daniel Lantsberg joins me to dive into the evolving topic of genetic carrier screening in preconception care and IVF.
Dr Lantsberg shares valuable insights into what genetic carrier screening is and who should consider testing. We also explore how genetic carrier screening can influence reproductive outcomes and the options available to couples who are found to be carriers of genetic conditions. Dr. Lansberg highlights the accuracy and limitations of genetic testing and discusses the future of genetic screening and potential advancements in the field. This informative episode empowers you with valuable information, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Genetic carrier screening is a form of preconception care that can identify the risk of passing on genetic conditions to offspring, even if there’s no known family history of illness.
- Screening is meant for the general population and is ideally done before starting a family to maximize the available preventative options.
- Basic genetic carrier screening in Australia covers the three most common conditions and is now bulk billed by Medicare.
- Expanded screening can test hundreds of genes, offering a higher chance of detecting carrier status but at a higher cost.
- Knowledge from these tests empowers prospective parents to make informed reproductive choices, including IVF with pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) to select healthy embryos.
About the Guest:
Dr. Daniel Lantsberg is a respected consultant gynecologist with a specialization in fertility, reproductive endocrinology, and fertility preservation. He serves as the clinical director of education at Melbourne IVF and has a rich professional background with special interests that include elective egg freezing, age-related infertility, unexplained infertility, male infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and fibroids. Dr. Lantsberg’s commitment to reproductive health extends to his role at the Reproductive Services Unit at the Royal Women’s Hospital, as well as a senior lecturer position at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
You can find out more about Dr Daniel Lantsberg at the links below.