 Health Guide Drug Guide Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferaseDefinitionGalactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase is a blood test that measures the level of a substance called GALT, which helps break down milk sugars (lactose/galactose). Alternative NamesGalactosemia screen; GALT; Gal-1-PUT How the Test is PerformedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding. In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding. How to Prepare for the TestFor help preparing your baby for the test, see infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year). How the Test Will FeelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some infants feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. Why the Test is PerformedThis is a screening test for galactosemia. In normal diets, most galactose comes from the breakdown (metabolism) of lactose, which is found in milk and dairy products. About 1 out of 65,000 newborns lack a substance (enzyme) called GALT. Without this substance, the body can't break down galactose, and the substance builds up in the blood. Continued use of milk products can lead to: This can be a serious condition if not treated. Normal ResultsThe normal range is 18.5 to 28.5 U/g Hb (units per gram of hemoglobin). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results MeanAn abnormal result suggests galactosemia. Further tests must be done to confirm the diagnosis. If your child has galactosemia, a genetics specialist should be consulted promptly. The child should immediately be placed on a no-milk diet. This means no breast milk and no animal milk. Soy milk and infant soy formulas are generally used as substitutes. For more detailed information, see the article on galactosemia. RisksVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
ConsiderationsEarly diagnosis is important, because the disease can be treated by removing milk from the diet. Every state requires all newborns to be screened for this disorder. These screening tests are set to be very sensitive so they do not miss many infants with galactosemia. Because of this, false-positives can occur. If your child has an abnormal screening result, follow-up tests must be done to confirm the result. See: Newborn screening tests
Review Date:
2/20/2009 Reviewed By: Diana Chambers, MS, EdD, Certified Genetics Counselor (ABMG), Charter Member of the ABGC, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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