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Test Code GALP Galactose, Quantitative, Plasma

Reporting Name

Galactose, QN, P

Useful For

Screening for galactosemia

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Galactosemia Testing Algorithm.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Plasma Na Heparin


Ordering 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.

 

The preferred test for monitoring dietary therapy is GAL1P / Galactose-1-Phosphate, Erythrocytes for both GALT and GALE deficiencies.

 

This test may be useful for monitoring in patients with GALM deficiency.



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


Collection Container/Tube: Green top (sodium heparin)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Plasma Na Heparin Frozen (preferred) 365 days
  Ambient  20 days
  Refrigerated  20 days

Reference Values

≤7 days: <5.4 mg/dL

8-14 days: <3.6 mg/dL

≥15 days: <2.0 mg/dL

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

Test 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.

CPT Code Information

82760

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
GALP Galactose, QN, P 2308-5

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
83638 Galactose, QN, P 2308-5

Disease States

  • Galactosemia

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 (GALK), uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase (GALE), and galactose mutarotase (GALM). 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 abnormalities of motor function. 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 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.

 

 

Deficiency

Galactose (plasma/urine)

 

Gal1P (blood)

GALK

Elevated

Normal

GALT

Elevated

Elevated

GALE

Normal-Elevated

Elevated

GALM

Elevated

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 results are outside the normal range and galactosemia is suspected, additional testing to identify the specific enzymatic defect is required. Results should be correlated with clinical presentation and confirmed by specific enzyme or molecular analysis. For follow-up of abnormal newborn screening results, comprehensive diagnostic testing, and carrier testing see Galactosemia Testing Algorithm. For more information see Ordering Guidance.

Report Available

4 to 10 days

Specimen Retention Time

1 month

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK

Method Name

Spectrophotometric/Kinetic

Forms

1. Biochemical Genetics Patient Information (T602) is recommended.

2. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.

Genetics Test Information

Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) deficiency is the most common cause of galactosemia and requires lifelong restriction of dietary galactose.

 

Plasma galactose can be elevated in patients with galactosemia caused by GALT deficiency, galactokinase deficiency, or galactose mutarotase deficiency.

 

Classic galactosemia can be diagnosed by analysis of GALT enzyme.