is there a way to do pre-conception genetic testing to find out if my husband (35 years old) is a carrier of the lupus gene? his mother (55 years old) died of the disease a year ago. we have no children now, but want some.
The mechanism of lupus is not well understood, it is both the genetic susceptibility and the environment factor this is responsible for the disease. It usually affects females and it is rare in males. Genetic testing will give you an idea that he is a susceptible person, but development of the disease is not guaranteed. Well the presence of the gene can be tested, but it is not offered as pre conceptional genetic testing. You have to visit a specialty center and get it tested and counseled by the senior doctors