A new set of laboratory tests using gene sequencing is able to help confirm 24 lysosomal storage diseases, providing physicians and patients the tools for much more accurate and rapid diagnosis. Lysosomal storage diseases are a group of more than 40 inherited and potentially life-threatening disorders that cause enzymes to malfunction in cellular compartments called lysosomes. This leads to the accumulation of waste products that damage organs and tissues.

The gene sequencing tests, developed by scientists in Emory University's Genetics Laboratory, are available to clinicians throughout the country, and can be used for clinical diagnosis, carrier testing for family members and prenatal testing. Emory Genetics Laboratory offers the most comprehensive list of sequencing tests in the country for lysosomal storage diseases, according to Vanessa Rangel Miller, MS, CGC.

"Before the availability of our tests, there were far fewer sequencing and DNA-based tests for lysosomal storage disorders," she said. "This limited many families who did not have the option for carrier and prenatal testing. In the past, some carrier and prenatal tests were performed using less accurate biochemical methods" according to Madhuri Hegde, PhD, FACMG, co-director, Emory Genetics Laboratory. Emory Genetics Laboratory includes six board certified laboratory directors and four board-certified genetic counselors.

The prevalence of lysosomal storage disorders in the United States is 1 out of 7,000 newborns. Tests for lysosomal storage disorders typically are ordered by general internists, cardiologists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, geneticists, metabolic specialists and others caring for children and adults suspected of having a lysosomal storage disorder, or by obstetricians or prenatal genetics counselors who have patients with a family history of these disorders.

Physicians in Emory's Lysosomal Storage Disease Center, established in
'"/>




Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. The Effectiveness Of Screening Tests Questioned
2. Blood Tests Can Help Detect Osteoporosis Early In Life
3. Easier Tests To Detect Tuberculosis
4. Fragile X-Associated Tremor /Ataxia Syndrome Need Guidelines For Diagnostic Tests
5. Genetic Tests Could Become As Affordable As Blood Tests
6. Obese Adults Undergo Less Medical Tests And More Vulnerable To Diseases
7. Delay in Breast Cancer Gene Tests
8. Health Officials Inquire Into OraQuick HIV Tests
9. Move to make HIV Tests mandatory For Soldiers In Northeast
10. Punjab Government To Clamp Down On Sex Determination Tests
11. Free HIV Tests Brings Crowd to the Testing Centers