Test Code GAL1B Galactose-1-Phosphate, Blood Spot
Ordering Guidance
This test is used to monitor dietary therapy of patients with galactosemia due to deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase or uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase.
This test is not appropriate for the 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.
This test is not appropriate for the diagnosis of epimerase deficiency, the preferred test to evaluate this deficiency is GALE / Uridine Diphosphate-Galactose 4' Epimerase, Blood.
For more information see Galactosemia-Related Test List.
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
Submit only 1 of the following specimen types:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Blood spot
Supplies: Card-Blood Spot Collection (Filter Paper) (T493)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Blood Spot Collection Card
Acceptable: Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper, Revvity 226 filter paper, or blood collected in tubes containing EDTA and dried on filter paper
Specimen Volume: 2 Blood spots
Collection Instructions:
1. An alternative blood collection option for a patient older than 1 year is a fingerstick. For detailed instructions, see How to Collect Dried Blood Spot Sample.
2. At least 2 spots should be complete (ie, unpunched).
3. Let blood dry on filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for a minimum of 3 hours.
4. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.
5. Do not stack wet specimens.
6. Keep specimen dry.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred) 91 days/Refrigerate 91 days/Frozen 91 days
Additional Information:
1. For collection instructions, see Blood Spot Collection Instructions
2. For collection instructions in Spanish, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Spanish Instructions (T777)
3. For collection instructions in Chinese, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Chinese Instructions (T800)
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Whole Blood
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable: Green top (sodium heparin) or yellow top (ACD)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerate (preferred) 48 hours/Frozen 14 days
Forms
Biochemical Genetics Patient Information (T602) is recommended.
Secondary ID
622838Useful For
Monitoring dietary therapy of individuals with galactosemia due to deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) or uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase (GALE) in blood spots
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Galactosemia Testing Algorithm.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Galactose-1-Phosphate, BSSpecimen Type
Whole bloodSpecimen Minimum Volume
Blood Spots: 1; Whole blood: 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Whole blood | Varies |
Reject Due To
Blood spot specimen that shows serum rings or has multiple layers | Reject |
Insufficient specimen | Reject |
Unapproved filter papers | Reject |
Capitainer (microsampling devices) | Reject |
Reference Values
≤1.0 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Thursday
Report Available
4 to 10 daysPerforming Laboratory

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
84378
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
GAL1B | Galactose-1-Phosphate, BS | 40842-7 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
622838 | Galactose-1-Phosphate, BS | 40842-7 |