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 group with a higher carrier rate, such as Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, or Cajun ancestry. Knowing your carrier status ahead of time gives you and your partner more information for family planning decisions.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the activity of an enzyme your body needs to break down certain fatty substances in nerve cells. Checking both the total enzyme activity and the specific portion tied to Tay-Sachs disease helps distinguish a true carrier pattern from other conditions that can also lower enzyme levels. This distinction matters because it affects how your results should be interpreted.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account with a clear explanation of what a normal enzyme activity range looks like compared to yours. If your result suggests reduced enzyme activity, a simple next step is to have your partner tested too, since risk to a child depends on both parents' carrier status. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you ever retest in the future, the trends feature lets you compare results side by side.

How can I naturally support healthy nerve and enzyme function?

There isn't a natural way to change your Hexosaminidase A enzyme activity or carrier status, since it's determined by your genes rather than lifestyle. What you can do is focus on overall nervous system health with a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fats, regular exercise, and good sleep. If you're identified as a carrier, the most useful next step is genetic counseling-style planning discussions with your partner rather than trying to change the result.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your secure online account. If you need results faster for time-sensitive family planning, it's worth checking with the lab location about any expedited options.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people planning a pregnancy, especially those with a family history of Tay-Sachs disease or ancestry linked to a higher carrier rate. Couples who are both found to be carriers can use this information to better understand risks to future children. It's also useful for anyone who wants clarity before starting a family, regardless of symptoms.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Being a carrier of the Tay-Sachs gene doesn't cause any symptoms in adults, so this test isn't about symptom relief for yourself. Instead, it's typically considered because of family history, ancestry background, or before or during pregnancy planning. If a close relative has been diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease or identified as a carrier, that's a strong reason to get tested.

What is Hexosaminidase A and why does it matter?

Hexosaminidase A is an enzyme that helps your body break down a fatty substance found in nerve cells. When someone doesn't make enough of this enzyme, that fatty substance builds up and can seriously damage the nervous system, which is what happens in Tay-Sachs disease. Testing both the total enzyme level and the Hexosaminidase A portion specifically helps determine if someone is a carrier of the gene.

What does low Hexosaminidase A activity mean?

Lower than expected Hexosaminidase A activity compared to your total enzyme level can suggest you carry one copy of the gene linked to Tay-Sachs disease. Carriers themselves are healthy and don't develop the disease, since they still have one working copy of the gene. This result becomes especially important if your partner is also a carrier, as it affects the chances of passing the condition to a child.

What should I do if my results suggest I'm a carrier?

If your results suggest carrier status, the most useful next step is to have your partner tested as well so you can understand the combined risk for any future children. It can also help to talk with a genetic counselor to walk through what the results mean for your specific family planning situation. Keeping a copy of your report handy for these conversations makes the process easier.

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.

Tay-Sachs Carrier Test - Hexosaminidase A 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

[email protected]