Jewish Care

Tay-Sachs has affected children for generations. Now that we are able to test for carriers of the gene, there is no need for this tragedy to strike babies and their families.

What is the screening test like?
The test is a simple blood test carried out on a small blood sample. The test is completely safe and the result is usually ready within five weeks.

Where can I be tested?
There is a range of options available:
- your GP can arrange a test at a genetics centre in a participating hospital or at one of Jewish Care's public sessions
- screening sessions are held for pupils at some schools
- your group can request a session 
- Guy's Hospital operates a walk-in clinic on Monday mornings - no appointment is necessary. 

Please call Jewish Care Direct on 020 8922 2222 or our Tay Sachs co-ordinator on 07890 611 119 for further information.

What if I am a carrier?
Anyone found to be a carrier is invited to contact a genetics centre or Jewish Care for counselling and advice. Close family may also wish to be tested to find out if they are carriers.

If a couple is tested and only one partner is a carrier there is no danger of their children developing the disease. Where both partners are carriers they still have three out of four chances of having a perfectly healthy child.

Genetic counselling is offered to fully discuss the range of options open when starting a family. If after full discussion the couple decide to proceed with a pregnancy, the mother will be offered pre-natal testing for the disease, and support available if desired.