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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

GM2A Gene TaySachs Disease AB Variant Genetic Test

This genetic test identifies mutations in the GM2A gene associated with Tay-Sachs disease, a serious neurodegenerative disorder. It is recommended for individuals with a family history or those at higher risk.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Blood sample (EDTA tube), extracted DNA, or one drop of blood on an FTA card.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
A clinical history of the patient is required. A genetic counseling session to draw a pedigree chart of family members affected by Tay-Sachs disease AB variant is recommended prior to testing.
Test priceKSh 40,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the GM2A Gene TaySachs Disease AB Variant Genetic Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Family history of Tay-Sachs disease
  • ✓Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
  • ✓Carrier screening for couples planning a family
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of Tay-Sachs disease
  • ✓Prenatal diagnosis (if indicated by family history or carrier status)
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Identifies specific genetic variants in the GM2A gene associated with Tay-Sachs disease, aiding in diagnosis, carrier screening, and family planning.
The GM2A Gene TaySachs Disease AB Variant NGS Genetic DNA Test is a genetic analysis designed to detect mutations in the GM2A gene linked to Tay-Sachs disease. Tay-Sachs is a severe neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting infants and young children, causing progressive loss of mental and physical abilities. Early detection is important for families at risk, enabling informed decisions about family planning and potential management strategies.

This test utilizes Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to provide a comprehensive analysis of the GM2A gene, looking for specific variants associated with the disease.

Individuals with a family history of Tay-Sachs disease, those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent (who have a higher carrier frequency), couples planning a family who wish to understand their genetic risks, or individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of Tay-Sachs disease may be candidates for this test.

Understanding your results requires consultation with a healthcare provider or genetic counselor. A positive result indicates the presence of a mutation associated with Tay-Sachs disease. A negative result means no specific mutations were detected, but further discussion with a specialist is recommended.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationA clinical history of the patient is required. A genetic counseling session to draw a pedigree chart of family members affected by Tay-Sachs disease AB variant is recommended prior to testing.
SampleBlood sample (EDTA tube), extracted DNA, or one drop of blood on an FTA card.
MethodologyNext Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis of the GM2A gene.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects specific known variants in the GM2A gene. It may not detect all possible mutations associated with Tay-Sachs disease. A negative result does not completely rule out the condition. Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, French Canadian, Cajun, and Old Order Amish descent have a higher risk of being carriers for the gene mutation.
A positive result indicates the presence of a genetic variant associated with Tay-Sachs disease. Further consultation with a genetic counselor or doctor is necessary to understand the implications.
A negative result means that the specific mutations tested for were not found. However, it does not completely eliminate the risk, and discussion with a healthcare provider is advised.
Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for genetic testing.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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