Beacon Carrier Screening | Fulgent Australia

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A First Step in Family Planning

Carrier screening assesses a reproductive couple's chance of having a child with certain genetic conditions. This test is for anyone who is currently pregnant or planning pregnancy. It is recommended by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists as an essential part of pre-pregnancy and antenatal care.

Even without symptoms or a family history of genetic conditions, individuals may have a high chance of having a child with a significant medical condition. Beacon carrier screening can lead to more informed decision-making and stronger preparation for one's reproductive journey.

Why Fulgent?

Comprehensive and Flexible

The Beacon Expanded Panel screens for up to 787 recessive and X-linked conditions, so both common and uncommon conditions are covered for people of all ethnic backgrounds. This makes it one of the most comprehensive carrier screen testing options on the market. The panel is also completely customisable, providing the ability to match your testing with that of a gamete donor or reproductive partner if applicable.

Accurate and Robust

Fulgent's Beacon 3-gene and Expanded Carrier panels are all performed using the latest next-generation sequencing technology, providing detection of variants (genetic changes) with high sensitivity and specificity. Fulgent uses proprietary technologies to ensure our laboratory processes achieve the highest levels of accuracy, precision, and timeliness.

Backed by Fulgent Australia's Clinical Expertise

Beacon is performed either at our laboratory in Adelaide, Australia or at our U.S.-based laboratory in close collaboration with our Australian team. Our Beacon tests are regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest recommendations and guidance from experts in the field.

Why choose Fulgent's Beacon 3-Gene Plus panel?

Fulgent performs CFTR testing by NGS, providing the highest detection rate compared to standard 3-Gene carrier screening methodologies

The Beacon 3-Gene Plus panel enables the additional testing of 13+ X-linked genes at no extra cost

Flexibility to convert to Beacon 787 Expanded carrier testing available at any time for a more comprehensive test with a lower overall turnaround time

Fulgent's Carrier Screening Compared To Industry Standards

	Industry Standard 3-Gene	Fulgent Beacon 3-Gene Plus	Fulgent Beacon 787 Expanded
Pricing	$0 (Medicare eligible)	$0 (Medicare eligible) $395 (without Medicare)	$600 (individual reports) $1100 (merged couple reports)
Genes Tested	CFTR, SMN1, FMR1	CFTR, SMN1, FMR1 Optionally add 13 X-linked genes	Fully customisable set of 787 genes, including CFTR, SMN1, FMR1 and 70+ X-linked genes
Methodology	Varies	NGS and orthogonal methods; analytical detection rate of >99%.	NGS and orthogonal methods; analytical detection rate of >99%.
CFTR Coverage	Analysis for common variants only	Full gene sequencing of CFTR using NGS, which enables detection of >99% of variants	Full gene sequencing of CFTR using NGS, which enables detection of >99% of variants
AGG Reporting in FMR1	AGG interruptions are generally not reported	AGG interruptions are reported for premutations, providing clinicians with a more comprehensive understanding of their patients' carrier status	AGG interruptions are reported for premutations, providing clinicians with a more comprehensive understanding of their patients' carrier status
Silent Carrier Reporting in SMN1	Silent carriers are generally not reported	Sequencing of SMN1 using NGS, with detection of the variant associated with SMN1 silent carriers	Sequencing of SMN1 using NGS, with detection of the variant associated with SMN1 silent carriers
Turnaround Time	3-4 weeks per test (if follow-up partner testing is needed, potentially >8 weeks total)	3-4 weeks per test	3-4 weeks total (recommended during pregnancy)