Is there a test to detect a fragile X syndrome carrier?
Dr IC Verma
Sr. Consultant and Head, Department of Medical Genetics,
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi
Sr. Consultant and Head, Department of Medical Genetics,
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi
Q: My wife's family has a history of mentally retarded children. She is worried that she may be a fragile X carrier. Can a simple DNA test show if she is a carrier? Here in my country there is no testing available for FMR-1. Please advise.
A:It is easier to test one of the male children whether they have fragile X syndrome. The test can also be done on females but it is more complicate. Please contact Genetics Lab at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.