Free tests for the detection of carriers of Tay-Sachs disease, a genetic disorder causing the death of children, will be held at Pierce College in Woodland Hills on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The blood tests are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Foundation for Pierce College trailer, 6201 Winnetka Ave. No appointments are necessary.
People considering parenthood will benefit most from the tests, which can identify them as carriers of Tay-Sachs disease. A child must inherit two recessive Tay-Sachs genes, one from each parent, to develop the disease.
Youngsters with Tay-Sachs disease usually die before age 5.
For more details on the tests, call Philip Stein, dean of academic affairs, at (818) 719-6443.
