Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a serious genetic disorder that can affect the muscles involved with breathing, eating, or moving.  There are three types of SMA with varying levels of severity.

This genetic disorder can be passed to children if both parents carry the gene.  When both parents are carriers of the gene there is then a 25% chance with each pregnancy of having a child with SMA.

This test is done through a blood test to see if you carry the gene. If you do, your partner will then be tested as well. If you do not, your partner will not be tested.

References:

Advanced Medical Systems INC (2011) Cystic Fibrosis. N.P.Quest Diagnostics (2017) SMA Carrier Screening. N.P.