What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're planning a pregnancy and want to know if you carry a genetic change linked to Tay-Sachs disease. It's also used to confirm a Tay-Sachs diagnosis in someone showing symptoms, or to double check a carrier result from a different type of screening. Many people take this test simply for peace of mind before starting or growing a family.

What's included in this test?

This test looks directly at the HEXA gene for mutations that cause Tay-Sachs disease, rather than just measuring an enzyme level, which makes it much more accurate. It also checks for pseudodeficiency alleles, harmless gene variations that can cause a false carrier result on older, less specific enzyme-based tests. Together, these checks give a clear and reliable answer about carrier or disease status.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what carrier, non-carrier, or affected status means. If you're identified as a carrier, a practical next step is having a partner tested too, since risk to a future child depends on both parents' status. 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 past results through the trends feature.

How can I naturally support my health while planning a family?

While there's no natural way to change your genetic carrier status, you can support a healthy pregnancy overall by eating a balanced diet, taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Managing stress and getting regular checkups also help set the stage for a healthy pregnancy. If you and a partner are both carriers, genetic counseling resources can help you understand your family planning options.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. This timeframe allows for the detailed genetic analysis needed to accurately identify HEXA mutations. You'll receive a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people of Ashkenazi Jewish, French Canadian, or Cajun descent, since these groups have higher rates of Tay-Sachs carrier status. It's also recommended for anyone planning a pregnancy who wants to know their carrier status ahead of time, or whose partner has already tested positive as a carrier. Individuals with a family history of Tay-Sachs disease should also consider this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Tay-Sachs disease itself usually shows up in infancy with symptoms like loss of motor skills, exaggerated startle response, and vision problems, so a baby showing these signs may need this test to confirm a diagnosis. Adults and children considering this test for carrier screening typically have no symptoms at all, since carriers are healthy. A known family history of Tay-Sachs disease is the main reason to test rather than symptoms in a carrier.

What does a carrier result mean?

A carrier result means you have one copy of a HEXA gene mutation but not two, so you won't develop Tay-Sachs disease yourself. It does mean that if your partner is also a carrier, there's a chance a future child could inherit two mutated copies and develop the disease. Knowing this ahead of time gives you and a partner time to explore your family planning options.

What causes a false carrier result on older tests?

Older enzyme-based tests measure the activity of a protein called beta-hexosaminidase, but some harmless gene variations, called pseudodeficiency alleles, can make that enzyme look low even though no disease-causing mutation is present. This test avoids that problem by directly reading the HEXA gene instead of just measuring enzyme activity. That's why this DNA-based approach gives a more dependable answer than enzyme testing alone.

How often should I retest?

Your genetic carrier status doesn't change over your lifetime, so there's no need to repeat this test once you have a clear result. The only common reason to test again is if a new partner also needs to know their carrier status before you plan a pregnancy together. Keep a copy of your results on hand for any future family planning conversations.

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 - Genetic Screening for 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!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Tay-Sachs Disease Carrier Screening Blood Test

Tay-Sachs Disease Mutation Analysis

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

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Tay-Sachs Disease Carrier Screening Blood Test

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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