In the last few years, enormous advances in prenatal testing have made it possible to screen for fetal anomalies as early as the 10th week of pregnancy. In the same period, preconception genetic carrier testing has become more widely available and affordable.
One company offering such tests is Counsyl, whose Universal Genetic Test screens for more than 100 genetic diseases and is available both to clinicians and direct to consumers. Last month, the company announced that it was partnering with ARUP Laboratories, a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory associated with the University of Utah, which will bring the test to more than half of the nation’s university, teaching and children’s hospitals. Still, implementation by individual physicians varies.
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