What tests are run to check for muscular dystrophy?

Medical history, a: 3-generation family history, physical & neurological exams determine choice of lab tests, e.g., for enzymes that are elevated in diseases with degeneration of muscle fibers, studies of the strength of nerve signals, molecular genetic tests, muscle biopsies for microscopic examination & more. At least 9 inherited disorders are classified as MD's, but there are > 100 related disorders.