Phenylketonuria (pku) test

A phenylketonuria (PKU) screening test is done to see whether a newborn baby has the enzyme needed to use phenylalanine in their body. If this test shows that your baby has a phenylalanine problem, the doctor will do further testing to check whether your baby has PKU.

It's important for your baby to have this screening test soon after birth. If a baby has PKU and treatment starts right away, problems (such as brain damage) are less likely to occur.

A heel stick is used to get a blood sample from a baby. The baby's heel is poked, and several drops of blood are collected. Your baby may have a tiny bruise where the heel was poked.

You do not need to do anything before your baby has this test.

If the heel stick screening test shows high phenylalanine levels, a blood sample is taken from your baby's vein. This is to confirm if your child has PKU.