Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

The heel prick test carried out on our newborn baby shows high blood Phenylalanine (Phe) levels. Does this mean he/she has Phenylketonuria (PKU)?

April 26, 2017baby blood heel high newborn PHE phenylalanine shows Test

0

Posted

The heel prick test carried out on our newborn baby shows high blood Phenylalanine (Phe) levels. Does this mean he/she has Phenylketonuria (PKU)?

1 Answer

0

Posted

Typically babies are screened for PKU shortly after birth with the Guthrie heel prick test. Blood Phenylalanine (Phe) levels are measured and if the result is high, further tests are carried out to confirm or exclude PKU. The period between birth and diagnosis is too short to affect the brain.