What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're planning a family and want to know whether you carry a genetic change linked to Walker-Warburg syndrome, a serious inherited condition affecting the brain, muscles, and eyes. It's especially relevant if you have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, since this specific gene change is much more common in that population, or if there's a family history of the condition. Knowing your carrier status ahead of time helps you understand potential risks before or during pregnancy.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative carrier finding means. If you're found to carry the gene change, a common next step is having a partner tested too, since Walker-Warburg syndrome only affects a child when both parents pass along a copy. The standard lab report is available to download from your account any time, and you can revisit your results later using the trends feature. This is a one-time genetic result, so retesting typically isn't needed.

What is Walker-Warburg syndrome and why does it matter?

Walker-Warburg syndrome is a rare inherited condition that disrupts normal development of the brain, muscles, and eyes, usually appearing at birth or in early infancy. It's caused by changes in genes like FKTN and is passed down when both parents carry a copy of the same gene change. Understanding your carrier status matters because it directly affects the chances of passing the condition to a future child, giving you information to plan ahead.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once complete, they're posted directly to your secure online account, where you can view and download them at your convenience.

Who should consider this test?

This test is worth considering if you or your partner have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, since this particular gene change is found in over 99% of Ashkenazi-Jewish cases of Walker-Warburg syndrome. It's also relevant if you have a known family history of the condition or a relative who has tested positive as a carrier. Couples planning a pregnancy often use this test as part of broader family planning steps.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Walker-Warburg syndrome is present from birth, so this isn't a test for symptoms you'd notice in yourself as an adult. Instead, it's a carrier screening test, meaning you're checking whether you silently carry the gene change without any symptoms at all. If a baby has been born with severe muscle weakness, brain differences, or vision problems, this test can help confirm whether Walker-Warburg syndrome is the cause.

What does a positive carrier result mean?

A positive result means you carry one copy of the F390fs gene change in the FKTN gene, but carriers themselves do not develop Walker-Warburg syndrome or show any symptoms. The concern arises only if your partner also carries the same gene change, since a child would need to inherit a copy from both parents to be affected. In that case, each pregnancy would have a 1 in 4 chance of the child being affected, which is important information for family planning.

What causes Walker-Warburg syndrome?

Walker-Warburg syndrome is caused by inherited changes in specific genes, including FKTN, that are needed for normal brain, muscle, and eye development before birth. It's passed down in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a child only develops the condition if they inherit a nonworking copy of the gene from both the mother and the father. Simply carrying one copy, as most carriers do, doesn't cause the condition or any health issues in the carrier.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If you test positive as a carrier, a practical next step is having your partner tested for the same gene change, since risk to a future child depends on both parents' status. It can also help to review your family history for similar conditions and share this information with close relatives who may also want to be tested. If you're currently pregnant or planning a pregnancy, use this information early to explore your options and plan ahead.

How often should I retest?

Genetic carrier status doesn't change over your lifetime, so this is generally a one-time test rather than something you retest regularly. Once you have a confirmed result, it remains valid for future pregnancies and family planning decisions. You would only consider retesting if a new, different genetic test becomes relevant, such as screening for other conditions.

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.

Walker-Warburg Syndrome 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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Walker-Warburg Syndrome Carrier Gene Test