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When people start looking into genetic testing, many search for an Australian-based genetics lab. It makes sense. Your DNA is personal, and sending it to the other side of the world can feel like a big step.
Our screening tests are performed by an accredited clinical laboratory in Europe. In this article, we answer the questions people most often ask about that: whether the sample travels safely, how the quality of testing is assured, what happens to their data, and whether it changes their rights here in Australia.
Key takeaways
- DNA is very stable, so samples travel safely to the laboratory, and around 99 in every 100 samples can be tested first time.
- Our European laboratory is accredited to ISO 15189, the same international standard used to accredit Australian pathology labs, and also holds CAP accreditation and CLIA certification.
- Your genetic data is protected by both Europe’s GDPR and Australia’s Privacy Act, and you can ask us to have the laboratory delete it at any time.
- Testing overseas doesn’t change your rights in Australia, including the life insurance protections that started on 8 October 2026.
- Tests performed overseas aren’t eligible for a Medicare rebate, so they are self-funded.
Will my sample survive the journey?
Yes. DNA is a remarkably stable molecule, and modern collection kits are designed to protect it. Saliva collection tubes contain a stabilising solution that stops DNA from breaking down. With leading kits, saliva samples stay stable at room temperature for a year or more, with no need for refrigeration during transport. Source
A trip to Europe takes days, not months, so there is plenty of margin. Laboratories also check the quality and quantity of DNA in every sample before testing begins. Our laboratory partner has a sample failure rate of approximately 1%, so around 99 in every 100 samples can be tested first time. In the rare case that a sample can’t be tested, we’ll arrange a replacement kit.
How is the quality of testing assured?
What makes a genetic test reliable isn’t the country it’s done in. It’s the standards the laboratory meets.
In Australia, pathology labs are accredited by NATA against ISO 15189, the international standard for medical laboratories. Source Our European laboratory is accredited to that same international standard. It also holds accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and certification under the US CLIA program, and its panel tests run on a CE-marked in vitro diagnostic device.
That means it is regularly inspected, takes part in independent proficiency testing, and classifies genetic variants using internationally agreed guidelines. Reports are prepared by PhD molecular geneticists, then reviewed and approved by our genetic counsellors here in Australia before you receive them. Our article on what makes a genetic test clinical-grade explains these standards in more detail.
What happens to my data?
This is the question we’re asked most, and the answer is reassuring. Your genetic data is protected by two strong legal frameworks at once.
In Europe, the laboratory must follow the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), one of the strictest privacy laws in the world. Genetic data is a “special category” under the GDPR, so it can only be used under strict conditions. Source The lab uses your data only to perform your test. It doesn’t use it for research unless you give separate consent, and it doesn’t share it unless it is authorised or legally required.
In Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 still protects you. When an Australian health provider sends personal information overseas, it must take reasonable steps to make sure the overseas recipient handles it in line with the Australian Privacy Principles, and it stays accountable if they don’t. Source
Here in Australia, we store only two documents from your test: the laboratory’s report and your patient report. Both are stored securely in Australia, in line with Australian health information laws. And you can ask us at any time to have the laboratory completely delete your genetic data. Read more about how we protect your genetic data.
Does testing overseas change my rights in Australia?
No. Your protections here stay the same wherever your sample is tested.
- Insurance: From 8 October 2026, Australian life insurers can’t ask for or use your genetic test results when deciding whether to cover you or what to charge. The ban covers genetic testing in general, not only tests done in Australia. Private health insurers have never been able to use your results. See our guide to genetic testing and your insurance.
- Your care: Your test is still overseen by our Australian clinical team, and your results are explained by our genetic counsellors.
- Complaints: If you have a privacy concern, you can raise it with us and, if needed, with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
One thing that is different is Medicare. Medicare rebates generally apply only to tests performed in Australian accredited laboratories, so tests done overseas are self-funded. Our article on Medicare funding for genetic testing explains what is covered.
Why we work with a laboratory in Europe
Australia has many highly regarded laboratories, and an Australian-based genetics lab is the right choice for many tests. For our screening panels, we partner with an accredited European laboratory because it offers:
- Comprehensive panels: hundreds of genes in a single test.
- Panels that reflect your ethnicity: options tailored to different populations, supporting our commitment to genetic testing that works for everyone.
- Non-coding variants: our panels include around 2,000 known disease-causing variants in non-coding regions of genes.
- Family variant testing: if your test finds a significant genetic variant, your relatives can have Family Variant Testing for that specific variant, with results in around four weeks.
Whether you choose an Australian-based genetics lab or one overseas, look for the same things: accreditation, expert interpretation of results, and genetic counsellors to support you.
Frequently asked questions
Which tests are performed overseas, and which in Australia?
Our screening panels, including Lineova, Omnagen, Prevonco and Cordagen, are performed by our accredited laboratory in Europe. Our Core Carrier Screen, which we expect to offer from December 2026, is performed by an accredited Australian laboratory and will be bulk-billed for patients who meet the Medicare criteria.
How do I collect and send my sample?
Genotype Health uses a simple cheek swab, also known as a buccal swab. The kit is posted to your home with instructions, and you return it by post, so there is no need to visit a collection centre.
How long will it take to get my results?
Results are usually available about four to six weeks after the laboratory receives your sample, depending on the test.
Who will explain my results?
Our genetic counsellors in Australia review and approve every report. As well as the laboratory report, you receive a patient report written in plain language, and post-test genetic counselling is included so you can talk through what your result means.
Can my GP receive my results?
Yes. If your GP refers you for the test, they receive a copy of your results. You can also share your reports with any doctor yourself.
Still have questions?
It’s natural to want to know exactly where your sample goes and who handles it. Our team, and Tara, our AI genetics assistant, are happy to talk you through any part of the process before you decide. You can also book a genetic counselling consultation.
Related reading
- Everything you need to know about genetic testing and counselling
- What makes a genetic test clinical-grade?
- How we protect your genetic data
- Medicare funding for genetic testing in Australia
Sources
- Oragene•Dx product information, DNA Genotek
- ISO 15189 Human Pathology accreditation, NATA
- The EU’s GDPR in the health care context, Petrie-Flom Center, Harvard Law School
- APP 8: Cross-border disclosure of personal information, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
