What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're planning a pregnancy or already expecting and want to know if you carry a gene change linked to Canavan Disease. It's especially useful if you have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, since carrier rates are higher in that group, or if a family member has been diagnosed with the condition. Knowing your carrier status ahead of time helps you and your partner make informed decisions about family planning.

What's included in this test?

This test looks specifically for genetic mutations in the ASPA gene that cause Canavan Disease. It's a targeted mutation analysis rather than a panel of blood chemistry markers, so the single result tells you whether or not you carry one of the known disease-causing changes.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your secure online account, with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative carrier result means. If you're found to be a carrier, a common next step is having your partner tested too, since Canavan Disease only affects a child when both parents pass along a mutated gene. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if you test again in the future for family planning purposes, you can track and compare results using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support healthy pregnancy planning?

While carrier status itself can't be changed through lifestyle, you can support a healthy pregnancy by taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and staying current on routine prenatal care. If you and your partner are both carriers, meeting with a genetic counselor before conceiving can help you understand your options. These steps won't change your genes, but they support overall reproductive health.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. You'll get a notification once your report is available in your online account. Because this is a specialized genetic test, processing takes a bit longer than a standard blood panel.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent who are planning a pregnancy, individuals with a family history of Canavan Disease, or couples who want a fuller picture of their genetic carrier status before conceiving. It's also worth considering if your partner has already tested positive as a carrier. Testing before pregnancy gives you the most time to consider your options.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Canavan Disease carriers themselves have no symptoms at all, so this isn't a test you'd take because you feel unwell. Instead, consider it based on your family background or heritage, particularly Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, or because a relative has been diagnosed with or is a known carrier of the condition. If a child in your family has shown signs like poor head control, weak muscle tone, or developmental delays, that history may prompt carrier testing for other family members.

What is Canavan Disease and why does it matter?

Canavan Disease is an inherited condition that damages the protective coating around nerves in the brain, leading to serious developmental and neurological problems in affected children. It only occurs when a child inherits a mutated gene copy from both parents. Knowing whether you're a carrier matters because it directly affects the chances of passing the condition to a future child, which is valuable information for family planning.

What does a positive carrier result mean?

A positive result means you carry one copy of a gene mutation linked to Canavan Disease, but you yourself will not develop the condition since it takes two mutated copies to cause disease. The main implication is for future children, especially if your partner is also a carrier. In that case, each pregnancy would have a 1 in 4 chance of the child being affected, which is important information to discuss when planning a family.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If you test positive as a carrier, the recommended next step is to have your partner tested for the same mutation to understand your combined risk. If both partners are carriers, options like genetic counseling, preimplantation genetic testing, or prenatal diagnostic testing during pregnancy can help you plan ahead. This result is about informed choice, not an emergency, so there's time to explore your options carefully.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Canavan Disease Carrier Test - Family Planning Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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