Here are answers to some of the most asked questions received by our team.

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us.  
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How can we help?

Different genetic tests are ordered in different ways. In most cases, your doctor will arrange testing for you, if appropriate. They are required to complete a test request form for any test you may need.  VCGS does not provide direct to consumer genetic testing. 

**_percept_ NIPT**  
This test can be ordered by your GP or specialist. They will complete a request form and you'll have your blood collected. 

**_prepair_ carrier screening**  
Your GP or specialist can complete a test request form for _prepair_. You can then arrange [saliva based testing](/prepair-carrier-screening/#test-options)  online.



If you have been identified as a carrier for CF or SMA through prepair testing, the next step is to see if your reproductive partner is also a carrier.  

[Here's how to arrange testing](/partner-testing) through VCGS. 


VCGS does not make appointments for testing.

If you need blood collected for testing, please visit a VCGS [affiliated collection site](https://collection-sites.vcgs.org.au/).  

Please note that these sites are independent and not run by VCGS. Opening hours and locations change frequently. In most cases, you do not need to make an appointment.

We recommend calling your preferred site beforehand to check these details. 

You can find your closest blood collection centre [using our search tool](https://collection-sites.vcgs.org.au/).  

Please note that these sites are independent and not run by VCGS. Opening hours and locations change frequently. In most cases, you do not need to make an appointment. We recommend calling your preferred site beforehand to check these details. 

There is no charge to have your blood collected for testing. 

A saliva sample can be used for some types of genetic testing. Your doctor can arrange a saliva kit for you. We are unable to send out saliva kits unless your doctor has specifically ordered one for you. 

In most cases, there is some out of pocket cost for genetic testing. 
Some tests have a partial Medicare rebate.
A few tests are fully covered by Medicare if patients meet strict criteria

**_percept_ NIPT**  
Test cost is $449 - there is no Medicare or private health rebate.

**carrier screening**  
- _prepair_ 3 = Test is bulk billed for Medicare eligible patients. Non-Medicare = $389.
- _prepair_ 500+ = Test is $975 / couple if Medicare eligible for _prepair_ 3. Non-Medicare = $1364.  
- _prepair_ 1000+ = Test is $1500 / couple if Medicare eligible for _prepair_ 3. Non-Medicare = $1889.

**Maternal serum screening** (blood test only, not ultrasound)  
Patients pay approx $135 up front and can claim approx $40 back from Medicare. 

If you've received an invoice from VCGS, you can B-pay, pay by credit card over the phone, or [pay online](https://www.vcgs.org.au/cart/invoice). 


We are unable to currently offer instalments.   
Please contact our Accounts team to discuss.  
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Different tests have different result times. See some common ones below:

**_percept_ NIPT**  
Results are usually delivered to your doctor 3-5 working days after we've received your sample (not from when your sample was collected). 

**_prepair_ carrier screening**  
_prepair_ 3: 2-3 weeks  (times are from when we receive your sample)  
_prepair_ 500+: 6-8 weeks  
_prepair_ 1000+: 6-8 weeks

**Maternal serum screening** (1st trimester)  
Results are usually delivered to your doctor within 5 working days from the time the laboratory receives your ultrasound information. 




Please contact our team if you've been waiting longer than expected for your test results. We can check to see if they've been sent to your doctor. 
::contactUs{heading="" textLabel="" phoneNumber="1300 118 247" email="vcgs@vcgs.org.au" website="" fax="" idPrefix="how-can-we-help-waiting-for-results"} 

VCGS is unable to give results directly to patients. All results are delivered to the doctor who ordered the test. Speak to your doctor if you'd like a copy. 

We can upload results to My Health Record for the prepair 3 carrier screening test.  
No results from other tests can be uploaded at this time.

For more information, see our [My Health Record information page](/mhr-policy).

Usually, samples reach VCGS within 2-5 working days from collection. Delays with transport/courier companies can affect this. 

Not necessarily. There is no link between payment for testing and sending of results. 

How can we help?

How can we help?

Arranging a genetic test

Billing & invoice information

Test results and waiting time

Other questions

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