Genetic Testing | Malka Ella

Apply for Genetic Testing Subsidy

Step 1

Understanding the process.

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Step 2

Collect the documentation.

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Step 3

Submit your application.

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Step 1: Understanding The Process

The first part of the application process is understanding what goes genetic testing is about and what the criteria are in order to apply for a subsidy

Genetic Testing Overview

Certain population groups, such as Ashkenazi Jews, are known to be at an increased risk for particular genetic conditions. This is due to the sharing of genetic information which is an outcome of a smaller number of ancestors. Several inherited genetic conditions are known to occur and testing is available to determine whether you are at an increased risk to have a child with one of these conditions.

Approximately 1 in 6 South African Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier for one or more of the nine conditions which include: Tay- Sachs disease, Cystic fibrosis, Canavan disease, Fanconi anaemia, Familial dysautonomia, Glycogen storage disease 1a, Niemann- Pick disease, Bloom syndrome and Mucolipidosis type IV. Most of these genetic conditions are debilitating and fatal in childhood. While some treatments may be accessible to manage symptoms, there is no cure available for any of the conditions

Genetic disorders are caused by alterations, also known as mutations, in genes. The conditions above follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means that for an individual to be affected with one of the conditions, he/she must inherit two copies of the altered gene, one from each carrier parent. If both parents carry the gene for the same condition, with each pregnancy there is a possibility of the following:

25% (1 out of 4) chance that the baby will inherit two normal genes
50% (2 out of 4) chance that the baby will inherit one normal and one altered gene, and will be an unaffected carrier
25% (1 out of 4) chance that the baby will inherit two copies of an altered gene, one from each parent, and will be affected with the genetic condition.

The purpose of carrier testing is to identify individuals or couples who may be at risk of having children with a genetic condition. The information allows an individual or couple the opportunity to consider available medical options. Should an individual, or couple be identified as being a carrier for any of the above conditions, an appointment with a genetic counsellor can be arranged to discuss the reproductive options for planning a healthy family.

Subsidy Criteria

Jewish individuals aged between the ages of 18-29 years old. Cases for people younger than 18 or older than 29 will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Financial subsidy will cover the maximum of 70% of the testing cost, but may cover less depending on the individual’s financial situation.
All individuals undergoing subsidised testing will need to consult with the Malka Ella Genetic counsellor prior to being tested. Costs for this one session will be covered by the Malka Ella Fund.
All individuals undergoing subsidised testing will use the testing facility designated by the Malka Ella Fund.
No payments will be made to individuals. Subsidies will be made directly to the testing institution.

All information provided to the Fund will be handled in the strictest confidence.

Step 2: Collect The Documentation

You need to do the following:
1. Download the Financial Details spreadsheet
2. Complete the Financial Details spreadsheet with the relevant information
3. Upload the Financial Details spreadsheet

Please ensure the document is appropriately labelled with your surname and description of the document. For example if your surname is Gold your financial form should be labelled
“Gold financial form.xlsx”

Download Financial Details Spreadsheet

Step 3: Submit Your Application

We have provided a simple and intuitive way to submit all of the documentation we need to process your application correctly. Please click on the button below and follow the prompts.

Open Application Form