The Jnetics Clinic

Screening is available for anyone aged 16 and over and who is of Jewish descent, having at least one Ashkenazi or Sephardi/Mizrahi grandparent. 

The clinic is designed for couples to screen together, however we will accept those wishing to screen individually. 

The test is particularly important for couples who are planning to start or expand their existing family, either now or in the future.

Screening pre-conception is preferable as it gives couples the greatest number of reproductive options, should they both be identified as carriers for the same disorder. However, pregnant women/couples are still eligible to take part. 

If you will be over 11 weeks pregnant by time of your appointment, please contact us at screening@jnetics.org so that we can discuss with you the implications and options available for screening in later stage pregnancy.

The test offered at The Jnetics Clinic covers 47 recessive disorders with increased prevalence in either those with Ashkenazi or Sephardi/Mizrahi ancestry. Optional screening for Fragile X Syndrome, a prevalent X-linked recessive disorder is also available for females taking part. The genetic counsellor will provide more information during your appointment to help you to decide whether to opt for Fragile X screening. 

The disorders covered are: 

• Severe, debilitating, incurable and life limiting – many are fatal in childhood
• Inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, with the exception of Fragile X Syndrome
• More prevalent amongst those with Jewish ancestry compared to the general population, with the exception of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Preventable via carrier screening 

View the full list of the disorders covered, including common symptoms, outlook, carrier frequencies and the associated at-risk populations.

Carrier screening involves taking a saliva sample from an individual and testing it to identify if that person is a ‘carrier’ of a genetic condition.

Carriers of recessive conditions are NOT typically affected themselves but are at high risk of passing on a genetic disorder to their children if their partner is also a carrier of the SAME disorder.

Carrier screening helps you to identify if you and your partner are at increased risk of passing on a severe genetic disorder and enables you to consider the different options available to reduce the chances of having an affected child.

1) Online Registration  – this includes picking an appointment time, completing an online form and paying the screening fee. Participants must register no later than one week prior to the selected appointment date.

2) Receiving the Screening Pack – participants receive a screening pack in the post with everything they need for the appointment. This includes forms and a saliva collection kit.

3) Video Appointment via Zoom with Genetic Counsellor – participants receive a zoom link ahead of the appointment. During the zoom call, the genetic counsellor (GC) answers any outstanding questions and guides the participants through the consent process. The participants then provide a buccal cheek swab.

4) Posting the Completed Saliva Kit – the participants post the completed sample to Jnetics. Jnetics sends it on to the lab.

5) Receiving Results – participants receive their results by email from the GC 10-12 weeks after the appointment (or pregnant couples/individuals will be advised of the timescale during their appointment). Those identified as carriers are offered a follow-up call with the GC for further information, advice and referrals, if relevant.

The subsidised screening costs are as follows:

• Couples: £350
• Individuals: £250

Due to increased costs we will be raising the screening price for bookings made after 1st May 2023, to

• Couples: £385
• Individuals: £275

These amounts directly cover the lab testing costs and clinical admin. Additional costs involved in delivering the service and providing counselling support are being subsidised by Jnetics in order to keep price as low as possible.

Anyone testing through The Jnetics Clinic outside of the UK will be charged an additional £10.

Payment needs to be made online when completing the online registration form.

If you are interested in screening but are unable to afford the subsidised amount please contact us at screening@jnetics.org as there may be an option to offer some limited financial assistance.

If you have booked but are unable to attend, please email screening@jnetics.org as soon as possible to enable your slot to be re-assigned. A refund will be given up to 48 hours before your appointment was scheduled, with a deduction of £8 for couples and £6 for individuals. If you cancel less than 48 hours in advance of your appointment, the refund will include a £25 deduction for late administration costs.

Getting tested together is often the preferable option for couples who are planning a pregnancy in the near future.  Testing a couple simultaneously avoids the anxiety and time-loss associated with waiting twice, should one partner be identified as a carrier first. 

Having both sets of results at once, allows the couple to have all the information needed for the best decision-making and a personalised risk assessment.