It is possible to identify the altered gene responsible for a baby’s Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) through genetic testing. If the gene is the one that causes XSCID, carried by mothers, this finding would give the female relatives of the mother (primarily her sisters) an opportunity to be tested for their own XSCID carrier status. Knowing if a woman carries the XSCID gene could have important implications for their own childbearing decisions and options.
If it is learned that each parent carries one copy of an altered SCID gene, the brothers and sisters of those parents might also be at risk to carry an alternation in the same SCID gene and choose to be tested.
During the genetic testing process, parents may want to take advantage of genetic counseling services so that they can be well informed about future reproductive risks and options.
