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 Tay-Sachs disease. It's also useful if you have a family history of Tay-Sachs or belong to a group with a higher carrier rate, such as Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, or Cajun ancestry. Knowing your carrier status ahead of time helps you and your partner make informed decisions about family planning.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account along with a plain-language explanation of what a positive or negative carrier finding means. If you're found to carry a HEXA gene change, a practical next step is having your partner tested too, since a child is only at risk if both parents are carriers. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest in the future for family planning purposes, you'll be able to track and reference your results through the trends feature.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Tay-Sachs carriers typically have no symptoms at all, so this test isn't about symptoms you're feeling right now. Instead, it's about screening before or during pregnancy, especially if you have relatives with Tay-Sachs disease or unexplained infant neurological decline in your family history. If a close relative has ever been diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, that's a strong reason to get screened even without any symptoms yourself.

How can I naturally support healthy pregnancy planning?

While no diet or lifestyle change affects your carrier status, you can support a healthy pregnancy by starting prenatal vitamins with folic acid early, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and keeping up with routine prenatal checkups. Genetic carrier screening is best done before conception when possible, so you have the most time to consider your options. Staying informed and testing early gives you and your partner more choices for family planning.

When will I get my results?

Results from this HEXA gene sequencing test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. This turnaround gives the lab enough time to carefully sequence the gene and check for small deletions, insertions, and other variants. You'll be notified as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone planning a pregnancy who wants to know their carrier status ahead of time, particularly those with Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, or Cajun ancestry where carrier rates are higher. It's also worth considering if you have a known family history of Tay-Sachs disease. Couples who are both found to be carriers can then talk through their options with more complete information.

What is Tay-Sachs disease and why does it matter?

Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, inherited condition where the body can't break down a certain fatty substance in nerve cells, causing it to build up and progressively damage the brain and spinal cord. It's caused by changes in the HEXA gene, and a child only develops the disease if they inherit a nonworking copy of the gene from both parents. Carriers, who have just one copy of the gene change, don't get sick themselves but can pass it on to their children.

What does a positive carrier result mean?

A positive result means the test found a change in one copy of your HEXA gene, making you a carrier of Tay-Sachs disease. Carriers are healthy and never develop symptoms themselves because they still have one working copy of the gene. The main significance is for family planning, since if your partner is also a carrier, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of the child having Tay-Sachs disease.

What causes a HEXA gene change to be passed down?

HEXA gene changes are inherited, meaning they're passed down from parent to child through DNA, not caused by anything you did or were exposed to. If one or both of your parents carry the gene change, you may have inherited it from them. Because it runs in families, testing close relatives can help map out how the gene change moves through your family tree.

What should I do if I test positive as a carrier?

If you test positive, the most useful next step is having your partner tested for the same gene change, since risk to a future child only exists if both parents are carriers. If you're already pregnant and both partners are carriers, prenatal testing options can determine whether the baby inherited the condition. Sharing your results with close biological relatives can also help them learn about their own carrier status, since Tay-Sachs runs in families.

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.

HEXA Gene Test - Tay-Sachs Carrier 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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