"British couples are to be offered a groundbreaking genetic test that would virtually eliminate their chances of having a baby with one of more than 100 inherited diseases.

"The simple saliva test, which identifies whether prospective parents carry genetic mutations that could cause life-threatening disorders such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy or sickle-cell anaemia in their children, is to be launched within weeks in Britain, The Times has learnt.

"If the procedure, which will cost about £400 per person or £700 for a couple, is widely adopted, it could dramatically reduce the incidence of 109 serious inherited conditions that collectively affect one in every 280 births."

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