What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you or your partner are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and are planning a family, or if there's a family history of hearing and vision loss. It looks for a specific genetic change linked to Usher Syndrome Type IIIA, a condition that causes gradual hearing loss and vision problems starting in childhood or the teenage years. Many people choose this test simply to understand their carrier status before or during pregnancy planning, even without symptoms.

What's included in this test?

This test checks for one specific genetic change in the CLRN1 gene called N48K, which is responsible for the vast majority of Usher Syndrome Type IIIA cases in people of Ashkenazi Jewish background. Testing this single, well-studied variant gives a highly accurate answer about carrier status without needing to sequence the entire gene. This focused approach makes the test fast, affordable, and specific to the population most affected.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative finding means for you. If you carry the gene variant, the report will explain what that means for family planning and suggest next steps, such as having a partner tested too. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and since this is a one-time genetic result, there's no need to retrack it over time like other blood markers.

How can I naturally support hearing and vision health?

While genetic carrier status can't be changed through lifestyle, protecting the hearing and vision you have is always a good idea. Avoid loud noise exposure, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damage, and eat a diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidant-rich vegetables to support eye and ear tissue health. Regular hearing and vision checkups can help catch changes early, especially if you know you carry a related gene variant.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account so you can log in and review them right away. If you need results faster for family planning timing, it's worth checking with the lab about any rush options.

Who should consider this test?

This test is most relevant for people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry who are planning a pregnancy or already expecting, since this population has a much higher chance of carrying the CLRN1 variant. It's also useful for people with a family history of Usher Syndrome or unexplained combined hearing and vision loss. Couples who are both carriers can use this information to make informed decisions about family planning.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Usher Syndrome Type IIIA symptoms usually appear after early childhood, so the person being tested is more often a family history flag than a symptom checklist. Signs to watch for in family members include gradual hearing loss that develops after learning to speak, balance or coordination issues, and vision changes like difficulty seeing at night or narrowing side vision, usually noticed in the teenage years. If these symptoms run in your family, testing can help clarify whether the CLRN1 variant is involved.

What is Usher Syndrome Type IIIA and why does it matter?

Usher Syndrome Type IIIA is an inherited condition where a person's hearing gets worse over time after starting out normal, along with gradually developing vision loss called retinitis pigmentosa, usually noticed by the teenage years. It happens when someone inherits two copies of the changed CLRN1 gene, one from each parent. Understanding this matters because knowing your carrier status ahead of time gives you the power to make informed choices about family planning.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the specific genetic change was found, and if only one copy is present, you're a carrier who won't develop the condition yourself but could pass it to children. If both parents are carriers, each pregnancy has a 1 in 4 chance of the child inheriting both copies and developing the condition. This information is most useful for family planning conversations and deciding whether additional testing makes sense.

What should I do if my results are unexpected?

If you test positive as a carrier, the most useful next step is having your partner tested for the same variant to understand the actual risk to any future children. Genetic counseling resources can help translate the numbers into what they mean for your specific family situation. There's no urgent medical action needed for carriers themselves, since carrying the gene doesn't cause symptoms or health problems on its own.

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.

Usher Syndrome IIIA Test - Carrier Gene 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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