The PreGen Research Program: Implementing Prenatal Genomic Testing in Australia-A Commentary

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2025 Aug;65(4):543-547. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13936. Epub 2025 Mar 24.

Abstract

Prenatal genomic sequencing, which can provide a significantly increased diagnostic rate for fetal structural anomaly (FSA) compared with karyotype and microarray, is not available uniformly across Australia. PreGen, a 5-year translational research program, has identified significant barriers to implementation including access to funding, the availability of genomic testing, access to termination of pregnancy services and the availability of specialist genomic centres. A federal item number for prenatal genomic testing would increase equitable test availability and reduce delays to diagnoses by making them in pregnancy whilst removing the need for low-yield diagnostic interventions and enabling personalised patient management and family support.

Keywords: fetus; genetic counselling; genetic testing; pregnancy; prenatal diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Congenital Abnormalities* / diagnosis
  • Congenital Abnormalities* / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical