What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're planning a pregnancy or already expecting and want to know your risk of carrying the gene linked to Tay-Sachs disease. It's also helpful if you have a family history of Tay-Sachs or belong to a population group with a higher carrier rate, such as Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, or Cajun ancestry. Knowing your carrier status ahead of time helps you make informed decisions about family planning.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the activity of an enzyme in your white blood cells that plays a key role in breaking down certain fatty substances in nerve cells. Low activity of this enzyme is the hallmark of being a carrier for, or affected by, Tay-Sachs disease, so measuring it accurately is essential for family planning decisions. Looking at both the total enzyme activity and the specific portion attributed to Hexosaminidase A gives a clearer, more reliable picture than either number alone.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account, with each enzyme value explained alongside its normal range so you understand exactly what your numbers mean. If your results suggest reduced enzyme activity, the next practical step is genetic counseling and possibly testing your partner to understand the combined risk for future children. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account to keep for your records or to share with family members. Since this is typically a one-time test rather than something you track over time, the trends feature is less relevant here, but your report stays saved for future reference.

How can I naturally support enzyme health?

Enzyme levels tied to genetic conditions like this one aren't something you can change through diet, exercise, or supplements — they're determined by your genes. What you can do is focus on general wellness, like eating a balanced diet and managing stress, which supports your overall health while you plan next steps. The most useful action here isn't a lifestyle change but understanding your results and, if needed, discussing family planning options with a genetic counselor.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. Since this test involves specialized enzyme analysis on white blood cells, it takes a bit longer than routine blood work. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your online account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for couples planning a pregnancy who want to understand their carrier status before conceiving, especially if they have a family history of Tay-Sachs disease. It's also recommended for people from ethnic backgrounds with higher carrier rates, including Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, Cajun, and Old Order Amish communities. If a close relative has tested positive as a carrier or been diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, this test can clarify your own risk.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Tay-Sachs carriers typically have no symptoms at all, which is exactly why testing matters — you can't tell your carrier status just by how you feel. The main reasons to test are family history or ethnic background, not physical symptoms. If a baby shows signs like slowed development, loss of motor skills, or an exaggerated startle reflex, that's a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation, not something to wait on lab results for.

What does low enzyme activity mean?

Low Hexosaminidase A activity usually means you carry one copy of the altered gene, making you a carrier who is generally healthy but could pass the gene to your children. If both total and Hexosaminidase A activity are very low, it can indicate the full disease is present, which is serious and requires prompt follow-up. Either way, a low result is a signal to pursue genetic counseling and consider testing a partner before or during pregnancy.

What causes reduced Hexosaminidase A activity?

Reduced activity comes from inherited changes in the gene responsible for making this enzyme, passed down from one or both parents. It's not caused by diet, environment, or lifestyle factors — it's purely genetic. This is why family history and ethnic background are the biggest clues for who should get tested.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your results show reduced enzyme activity, the most useful next step is genetic counseling to fully understand what it means for you and any future children. If you have a partner, it's a good idea to have them tested too, since risk to a child depends on both parents' carrier status. Keep your downloadable lab report on hand, as you may need to reference it during family planning discussions or future pregnancies.

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.

Hexosaminidase A 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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