Before we begin: This newborn screening test checks for galactosemia, a rare disorder that prevents your baby's body from breaking down galactose in dairy products. Learn more.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about galactosemia tests. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is a galactosemia test?
A galactosemia test is a blood test given to newborns to check for a rare genetic metabolic disorder called galactosemia. Metabolic disorders affect metabolism, the process your body uses to make energy from the food you eat. Galactosemia can be inherited (passed down through families), but to have the condition, your baby has to receive the gene from both parents. Genes are parts of DNA in your cells that you inherit from your parents. You inherit two copies of each gene, one from each parent.
Galactosemia prevents a baby’s body from breaking down a simple sugar called galactose. Galactose is in many foods, including:
- Milk, milk-based baby formulas, and dairy products. These foods contain lactose, which is made up of galactose and glucose, another type of sugar.
- Some fruits and vegetables.
- Breast milk.
Normally, certain enzymes (proteins that speed up certain chemical reactions in your body) break down galactose. Galactosemia happens when a genetic change affects the function of these enzymes. There are three types of galactosemia. The types are based on which enzyme is affected:
- GALT (galactose-1 phosphate uridyl transferase) deficiency, also known as classic galactosemia. It is the most common and severe form of the disorder.
- GALK (galactose kinase) deficiency.
- GALE (galactose epimerase) deficiency.
If a baby with a GALT, GALK, or GALE deficiency eats food with galactose, high levels of galactose and its byproducts build up in their blood. This can lead to serious health problems. These include liver disease, kidney failure, brain damage, and even death. But with early diagnosis and treatment, children with galactosemia can live healthy lives.
Other names: galactosemia newborn screening test, GALT test
What is it used for?
A galactosemia test is used to help diagnose galactosemia in a baby. It may also help identify whether it is a GALT, GALK, or GALE deficiency.
Why does my baby need a galactosemia test?
Newborns in the United States are required to get this test as part of a newborn screening. A newborn screening is a simple blood test that checks for various serious diseases.
Some older infants may need testing if they were adopted from another country and have symptoms of galactosemia. These symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Poor weight gain
- Refusal to eat
- Irritability
- Jaundice, a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow
The symptoms often go away once your child begins avoiding galactose in their diet.
What happens during a galactosemia test?
A health care provider will clean your baby’s heel with alcohol and poke their heel with a small needle. The provider will collect a few drops of blood and put a bandage on the site.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for this test?
There are no special preparations needed for a galactosemia test.
Are there any risks to this test?
Your baby may feel a little pinch when the heel is poked, and a small bruise may form at the site. This should go away quickly.
What do the results mean?
Your baby’s results will be either positive or negative for galactosemia.
If the results are negative , your child doesn’t have the disorder.
If the results are positive , your baby will probably need more testing to confirm the diagnosis. These may include other blood tests, urine tests, and genetic tests.
Learn more about laboratory tests, references ranges, understanding results.
Is there anything else I need to know about a galactosemia test?
There is no cure for galactosemia. Infants diagnosed with the disorder can be fed soy formula or certain other lactose-free formulas. Children with classic galactosemia (GALT) must keep a special diet that avoids all milk and products that contain milk. They may need to take a calcium supplement to get enough calcium. Children with GALK and GALE deficiencies may be able to include a limited amount of dairy in their diets.
If your child has one of these deficiencies, talk to your child’s provider about planning a safe and healthy diet in infancy and as your child grows up. Children with these deficiencies will probably need to stay on special diets for the rest of their lives.
Also known as: galactosemia newborn screening test, GALT test.
Key Takeaways
Understanding galactosemia tests is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.