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HelpTest Code GALU Galactose, Quantitative, Random, Urine
Reporting Name
Galactose, QN, UUseful For
Screening test for galactosemia using urine specimens
Testing Algorithm
For information, see Galactosemia Testing Algorithm.
Method Name
Spectrophotometric/Kinetic
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
UrineOrdering Guidance
This test is not recommended for follow-up of positive newborn screening results or for diagnosis of galactosemia. The preferred test to evaluate for possible diagnosis of galactosemia, routine carrier screening, and follow-up of abnormal newborn screening results is GCT / Galactosemia Reflex, Blood along with GAL1P / Galactose-1-Phosphate, Erythrocytes.
This test is not appropriate for monitoring of galactosemia. For monitoring, order GAL1P / Galactose-1-Phosphate, Erythrocytes.
Necessary Information
Biochemical Genetics Patient Information (T602) is recommended, but not required, to be filled out and sent with the specimen to aid in the interpretation of test results.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 5-mL tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect a random urine specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Frozen (preferred) | 365 days | |
| Ambient | 20 days | ||
| Refrigerated | 20 days |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Special Instructions
Reference Values
<30 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday
CPT Code Information
82760
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| GALU | Galactose, QN, U | 2310-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8765 | Galactose, QN, U | 2310-1 |
Clinical Information
Galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder that results from a deficiency of any 1 of the 4 enzymes catalyzing the conversion of galactose to glucose: galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT), galactokinase, uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase, and galactose mutarotase. GALT deficiency is the most common cause of galactosemia and is often referred to as classic galactosemia. The complete or near-complete deficiency of GALT enzyme is life-threatening if left untreated. Complications in the neonatal period include failure to thrive, liver failure, sepsis, and death.
Galactosemia is treated by a galactose-restricted diet, which allows for rapid recovery from the acute symptoms and a generally good prognosis. Despite adequate treatment from an early age, individuals with galactosemia remain at increased risk for developmental delays, speech problems, and motor function abnormalities. Female patients with galactosemia are at increased risk for premature ovarian failure. Based upon reports by newborn screening programs, the frequency of classic galactosemia in the United States is approximately 1 in 30,000, although literature reports range from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 60,000 live births.
A comparison of plasma and urine galactose and blood galactose-1-phosphate (Gal1P) levels may be useful in distinguishing among the 4 forms of galactosemia; however, these are only general patterns and further confirmatory testing would be required to make a diagnosis.
|
Deficiency |
Galactose (plasma/urine) |
Gal1P (blood) |
|
GALK |
Elevated |
Normal |
|
GALT |
Elevated |
Elevated |
|
GALE |
Normal-Elevated |
Elevated |
|
GALM |
Elevated in plasma |
Normal-Elevated |
For more information, see Galactosemia Testing Algorithm.
Interpretation
Additional testing is required to investigate the cause of abnormal results.
In patients with galactosemia, elevated galactose in plasma or urine may suggest ineffective dietary restriction or compliance; however, the concentration of galactose-1-phosphate in erythrocytes (GAL1P / Galactose-1-Phosphate, Erythrocytes) is the most sensitive index of dietary control for patients with galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase and uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase deficiencies.
Increased concentrations of galactose may also be suggestive of severe hepatitis, biliary atresia of the newborn, and, in rare cases, galactose intolerance.
If galactosemia is suspected, additional testing to identify the specific enzymatic defect is required. See Galactosemia Testing Algorithm for follow-up of abnormal newborn screening results, comprehensive diagnostic testing, and carrier testing. Results should be correlated with clinical presentation and confirmed by specific enzyme or molecular analysis. For more information see Ordering Guidance.
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
Method Description
The formation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) measured by the increase in absorbance at 340 nm is proportional to the amount of D-galactose in the sample.(Kurz G, Wallenfels K: In: Bergmeyer HV, ed: Methods of Enzymatic Analysis. Vol. 3. 2nd ed. Verlag Chemie, Weinheim, Academic Press; 1974:1279-1282; Cowan T, Pasquali M: Laboratory investigations of inborn errors of metabolism. In: Sarafoglou K, Hoffman GF, Roth KS, eds. Pediatric Endocrinology and Inborn Errors of Metabolism. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2017:1139-1158)
Report Available
4 to 10 daysTest Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.Disease States
- Galactosemia
Genetics Test Information
Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) deficiency is the most common cause of galactosemia and requires lifelong restriction of dietary galactose.
Urine galactose can be elevated in patients with galactosemia caused by either GALT deficiency or galactokinase deficiency.
Classic galactosemia can be diagnosed by analysis of GALT enzyme.