New Genetic Test Developed at Emory Advances Detection and Diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy

A new genetic test targeting the most common types of muscular dystrophy -- those caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene -- is far quicker with greater accuracy and sensitivity than existing tests. It can be used to confirm clinical diagnoses, to test female family members who may be carriers, and to perform prenatal testing. Muscular dystrophy includes more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement.