What's this test for?

This test helps if you or your child have signs like slowed growth, joint stiffness, unusual facial features, frequent ear infections, or organ enlargement that doctors haven't been able to explain. It's often used when there's a family history of an inherited metabolic disorder or when early developmental symptoms raise concern about a storage disease. The test looks for a buildup of certain complex sugars in the urine that can point to one of these rare inherited conditions.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the total amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in your urine. GAGs are complex sugar molecules that your body should break down and clear out, and when certain enzymes are missing, they build up and show up in unusually high amounts in urine, which is why measuring them matters for spotting these rare conditions early.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus abnormal range looks like for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels. If your levels come back elevated, the report will walk you through what that could mean and suggest appropriate next steps, which may include a more detailed follow-up test to identify the exact type of disorder involved. You can download a standard lab report right from your account at any time. If retesting is ever needed down the road, you'll be able to track your results over time using the trends feature.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification and can log into your account to view the full report as soon as it's available. Because this is a specialized test, it can take a bit longer than routine bloodwork, so plan for about a week's turnaround.

Who should consider this test?

This test is worth considering if you or your child show symptoms like joint stiffness, coarse facial features, delayed growth, recurring hernias, or hearing and vision changes that haven't been explained by other causes. It's also relevant if a close family member has been diagnosed with a mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) disorder, since these conditions are inherited. Parents of infants with unusual developmental patterns often use this test as a starting point for answers.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include stiff or painful joints, an enlarged belly from organ swelling, coarse facial features, frequent colds or ear infections, cloudy corneas, and slower physical or mental development than expected. Some people also notice short stature or skeletal differences that show up over time. If several of these symptoms appear together, especially in a young child, it's worth looking into further.

What is total GAG testing and why does it matter?

Total GAG testing measures how much of these sugar-based molecules are being excreted in urine, since a buildup usually means the body is missing an enzyme needed to break them down properly. This matters because catching the buildup early can lead to earlier management of an inherited storage disorder before it affects things like hearing, joints, or organ function. It's essentially a first screening step before more detailed testing is done.

What does a high GAG result mean?

A higher-than-normal GAG level suggests your body may not be breaking down these sugar molecules the way it should, which can point toward one of the mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) conditions. This result on its own doesn't tell you which specific type is involved, so a follow-up test that looks at the pattern of different GAG types is usually the next step. It's a good idea to act on an elevated result fairly soon since these conditions tend to progress over time.

What causes high GAG levels?

High GAG levels are almost always caused by a missing or malfunctioning enzyme that's needed to break down these molecules inside cells, and this is typically due to an inherited genetic change passed down from parents. It's not something caused by diet or lifestyle. Because it's genetic, family history is one of the biggest clues that this might be the underlying cause of a person's symptoms.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your GAG levels come back high, the next practical step is usually a differential GAG analysis to figure out which specific type of disorder might be involved, since treatment and outlook can vary a lot between types. In the meantime, keep track of any symptoms like joint pain, hearing changes, or growth patterns so you have detailed information ready for follow-up testing. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek medical care right away rather than waiting.

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.

GAG Urine Test - Mucopolysaccharidosis 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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