PKU Screening

These tests are typically requested by healthcare professionals, particularly pediatricians and neonatologists, as part of routine newborn screening. Parents and legal guardians play a key role in providing consent for the screening.

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The tests are used for newborns in the first few days after birth as part of routine newborn screening. They are also employed in high-risk scenarios, such as when there's a family history of PKU or known genetic risk factors.

It involves collecting a few drops of blood from the baby's heel, which are applied to a special filter paper card to create a dried blood spot. The dried blood spot is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, where the phenylalanine (Phe) level is measured.