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Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase

Alternative Names:
Galactosemia screen; GALT; Gal-1-PUT

What the risks are:

Risks are associated with venipuncture:

  • Multiple needle sticks may be performed if the first one 'misses' a vein
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Hematoma (blood collection under the skin)
  • Infection (a risk any time the skin is broken)


Special considerations:

Although the disease can be treated by removing milk from the diet, early recognition is essential. Some states, in fact, require that all newborns be screened for this disorder. These screening tests are set to be very sensitive so as not to miss many infants with galactosemia. Therefore, screening tests will come back abnormal but follow-up testing to confirm the abnormal result show the baby to be normal in many cases.

Veins 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.




Review Date: 4/20/2005
Reviewed By: Neal Sondheimer, M.D., PhD., Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician 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. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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