Test Code | B0018 |
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Test Summary |
Use for monitoring patients with an established diagnosis of phenylketonuria |
Turn Around Time | 3 days |
Acceptable Sample Types | Dried Blood Spots |
Acceptable Billing Types | Institutional Billing , Self (patient) Payment |
NY Approved | Yes |
This test is designed to monitor treatment and compliance in PKU patients.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)is a disease caused by reduced activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase, preventing it from processing phenylalanine effectively. As a result, this amino acid can build up to toxic levels in the blood and other tissues. Intervention and treatment are important to prevent phenylalanine build up.
Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is an analysis technique that utilizes two mass analyzers to target analytes based on mass and charge. This mass filtering process provides highly sensitive and specific measurements of small molecules or peptides from biological samples.
Collection Container(s) | Dried blood spot card |
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Collection | Follow kit instructions. Briefly, allow blood to saturate the card until indicated areas are filled and blood has soaked through the card. Air dry the card at ambient temperature for at least 3 hours.
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Sample Condition | Follow the instructions provided with the collection set. Store the dried blood at ambient temperature for up to two days. If the specimen cannot be sent as soon as it is dry, the filter paper should be placed in a sealable plastic bag and stored in a refrigerator (≤ 8°C) or preferably in a freezer. |
Shipping | Follow kit instructions. Double bag and ship overnight at ambient temperature. |