Mackenzie’s Mission is adapting to the current COVID-19 situation in Australia and making changes to support the continuation of our research study.
Our priority is to ensure the health and well-being of our participants, study team and the community.
Most of our national coordination, clinical and research personnel are working remotely. For any enquiries, our study team can be contacted here as usual.
Updates regarding participation in our research study
Participation in Mackenzie’s Mission is offered through healthcare providers at selected sites across Australia. Many healthcare providers have minimised or ceased in-person appointments in line with current government and organisational policies. We have adjusted our study processes so that participating healthcare providers can continue to invite people to take part in Mackenzie’s Mission via telephone appointments if required.
The enrolment process for participants will not be affected; people who have been invited to take part in the study by a participating healthcare provider can enrol through our online study portal as usual.
The laboratory services providing the genetic testing for Mackenzie’s Mission have had to make changes to the way they work. While these laboratories are still operating, the availability of supplies and/or staff may be affected by COVID-19, reducing testing capacity. As a result, the policies in place during the pilot phase of the study have been extended. This means:
- Participation is limited to couples who are not pregnant
- The turnaround time for participants to receive their reproductive genetic carrier screening results will remain at 8-12 weeks
Many clinical genetics services are currently unable to offer in-person consultations. For couples who receive a result showing an increased chance of having a child with a genetic condition, genetic counselling appointments via telephone or videoconference will be available during this period.
Advice for current Mackenzie’s Mission participants
We are still processing and returning reproductive genetic carrier screening results. The timeframe for receiving your results is still expected to be 8-12 weeks after your samples arrive at the laboratory. If there are any delays in returning your result, you will be contacted by a member of our study team.
If you have any questions about your participation in the study, or about the return of your reproductive genetic carrier screening results, please feel free to contact our study team on 1800 976 299 or info@mackenziesmission.org.au.
Links to Australian Government advice
For up-to-date government advice regarding COVID-19, please visit australia.gov.au.
For information on COVID-19, you can also call the Australian Government’s National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. The helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.